Easy One Dish Dinner

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, creamy one-dish dinner featuring ground beef, noodles, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal for the whole family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 pkg. wide noodles
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • 3 c. tomato juice
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. instant minced onion
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 dash hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large frying pan, brown about 1 pound of ground beef.
  2. Place the wide noodles on top of the cooked beef.
  3. In a bowl, beat together sour cream, tomato juice, water, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
  4. Pour the mixture over the noodles.
  5. Bring to a boil.
  6. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a heartier dish, mix in some frozen vegetables like peas or corn, which will cook perfectly with the noodles. Don't hesitate to experiment with spices for added depth, similar to those found in our favorite beef recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Easy One Dish Dinner with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables can also complement this dish nicely. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with our favorite cheese ball for a delightful appetizer before the main course.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice if needed to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy One Dish Dinner contains roughly 552 calories, with 10g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1012mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

552 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 26.5g 34% DV
Carbs 71g 26% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 11.1g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1012.4mg 44% DV
Potassium 442.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 6.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 45.4mg 50% DV
Calcium 130mg 10% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as egg noodles or even gluten-free options. Just ensure that the cooking time aligns with the type of noodle you choose to maintain the dish's overall texture and flavor.

What can I do if I don't have tomato juice?

If you don’t have tomato juice, you can make a substitute by blending canned tomatoes or tomato sauce with a bit of water. Alternatively, using vegetable broth can add a different but still delicious flavor to the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply use a mix of your favorite vegetables. Additionally, replace the sour cream with a vegan version or yogurt for a delicious vegetarian meal.

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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