Garden Beef And Macaroni
A hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a savory tomato-based broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers rich flavors with a touch of Worcestershire. Suitable for families and those seeking a quick, satisfying meal with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, brown the ground beef and cook the chopped onion until tender.
- Stir to separate the meat; drain excess fat.
- Add the chunky vegetable soup, tomato juice, uncooked elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using lean ground beef to reduce grease. You can substitute the chunky vegetable soup with any vegetable soup of your choice, or even make your own. If you prefer whole grain pasta, feel free to use whole wheat elbow macaroni instead. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of your favorite red wine. For a more casual option, consider serving it alongside some Snack Meat Balls for a fun family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent the macaroni from drying out. Microwave in short increments, stirring in between, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Beef And Macaroni contains roughly 400 calories, with 7g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 900mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; just ensure you let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
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).