Easy Main Dish

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful main dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying a family dinner craving.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 (14 oz.) jar traditional Ragu sauce
  • 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn
  • 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans
  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 1/2 cup green pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef with onion and green pepper.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef with garlic or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and if you want a vegetarian dish, try using a meat substitute or lentils. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for additional nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This dish makes a hearty main course and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a filling dinner. For a fun twist, top with shredded cheese or serve alongside Kathleen'S Chili for a flavorful combination of comfort foods.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals, but ensure they are heated evenly to avoid cold spots.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Main Dish contains roughly 1499 calories, with 14g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).

1499 kcal 75% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.1g 28% DV
Total Fat 139.1g 100% DV
Carbs 49.8g 18% DV
Fiber 6.9g 25% DV
Sugar 8.1g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1369.2mg 60% DV
Potassium 600mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 139.7mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 41.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 98mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 124.8mg 10% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 in advance?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It's perfect for meal prep and can be made a day or two ahead. Just reheat before serving, and the flavors will meld beautifully over time.

What can I serve with this dish?

This main dish pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even over baked potatoes. For a complete meal, you might also offer steamed vegetables or a side of garlic bread.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

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).

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