Eat More
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, and savory noodles, seasoned with chili powder and red pepper for a touch of spice. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish delivers rich, bold flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Cook the celery and whole tomatoes together in a pan.
- Brown the ground beef with chopped or minced onion.
- Combine all cooked ingredients in a casserole dish, adding salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste.
- Add chili powder to the mixture.
- Cover the casserole and let it simmer in an oven at 250°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef while browning. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked or frozen egg noodles. For a spicier kick, enhance the chili powder and red pepper to your taste. This recipe is versatile, allowing for variations like adding corn or black beans for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a twist, consider serving it alongside 'Party Turnovers' (Crescent Roll-Ups) for a fun meal that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eat More contains roughly 155 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Ensure the broth or canned tomatoes used are also vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do if I don't have whole tomatoes?
If whole tomatoes aren't available, diced or crushed tomatoes can be used instead. Alternatively, fresh tomatoes can be chopped and added, adjusting the cooking time slightly to allow them to break down. Just ensure you maintain the same volume to keep the consistency right.
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).