Fast Meal
A hearty, flavorful quick meal featuring seasoned ground meat, vegetables, pasta, and melty cheese—perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground deer hamburger meat, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add garlic, chili powder, pepper, tomato sauce, whole kernel corn, and stewed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cook macaroni separately until al dente, then drain and add to the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with Velveeta cheese slices.
- Bake until the cheese melts, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding some diced tomatoes or using a mix of bell peppers for extra color and taste. If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a healthier twist, swap out the macaroni for whole grain or gluten-free pasta. This dish can also be made with ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve with Texas Favorite Dip and tortilla chips as an appetizer. You can also top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness. Consider a light dessert like fruit salad to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast Meal contains roughly 368 calories, with 11g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% 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 use a different type of meat instead of deer hamburger?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this dish more appealing to kids, you can reduce the chili powder and garlic for a milder flavor. Additionally, try using fun-shaped pasta to make it visually interesting. Kids often enjoy adding their own toppings, so consider serving with options like shredded cheese or sour cream on the side.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add the macaroni and cheese on top, then bake as directed. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
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).