Grandma'S Wimpies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's Wimpies are hearty, savory beef dishes with tangy ketchup and subtle spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 14 oz. bottle ketchup
  • 1 tsp. vinegar
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1/2 bottle water
  • 1 small green pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Instructions

  1. Saute onion and green pepper until tender.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until all meat has browned.
  3. Drain excess grease, then add vinegar, sugar, mustard, and water.
  4. Simmer for about 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or some minced garlic. If you're short on time, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar, or use honey for a different flavor profile. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a family favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandma's Wimpies on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich, or over rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side of coleslaw or a simple garden salad to balance the flavors. This dish also works well as a filling for tacos or served alongside the Burger Of The Day for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Wimpies contains roughly 388 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

388 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 60.9g 22% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 31.4g 63% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 312.3mg 14% DV
Potassium 671.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 31.1mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 57.5mg 64% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 86.1mg 7% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each option will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish, allowing for customization based on your dietary preferences.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the ketchup.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) to create a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking times accordingly and enhance the flavor with additional spices or a splash of soy sauce.

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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