Dutch Oven Dinner
A hearty Dutch oven dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, noodles, and cheese, simmered to perfection—comfort food perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. medium noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. grated American cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In hot oil in Dutch oven, cook beef, stirring for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, sliced onion, chopped green pepper, whole kernel corn, and sliced mushrooms.
- Top with uncooked medium noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 lb. grated American cheese.
- Pour tomatoes over all.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with a tablespoon of minced garlic or onion powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used instead of medium noodles, but reduce the simmering time. This hearty dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Hamburger Harvest Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Dutch Oven Dinner with a simple side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a slice of cake. For more comfort food inspiration, browse more Beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Oven Dinner contains roughly 1100 calories, with 22g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or textured vegetable protein. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of the juices from the canned tomatoes to enhance the flavor without meat.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you don't have American cheese, you can substitute it with Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile. For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese. Just ensure it melts well to maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. Additionally, you can serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to add spice to their individual servings.
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).