Donna'S Hot Dish
Donna's Hot Dish is a comforting casserole combining tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and flavorful tomato juice, topped with cheese — a hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water until tender, then drain.
- Combine cooked macaroni, chopped onion, ground beef, tomato juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a baking dish, mixing well.
- Top the mixture with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the mixture before baking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're out of tomato juice, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can work as a replacement. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition, similar to Baked Beans And Beef.
Serving Suggestions
This hot dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra kick, serve with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce on the side. It also makes for a comforting potluck dish, where it can be a highlight alongside other classics like Cheese Ball Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring even heating by stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna'S Hot Dish contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What kind of cheese should I use for topping?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can mix it up with mozzarella for a stretchier texture or Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Feel free to blend cheeses for a delicious topping.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a flavorful base, and add plenty of vegetables to enhance the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).