Grandmother'S Beef Surprise
A hearty, comforting beef and pasta casserole with tomatoes, corn, and beans, perfect for family dinners and flavorful enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, brown ground beef and chopped onion together; pour off excess fat.
- Pour in stewed tomatoes, water, and corn.
- Bring to a boil, then add elbow macaroni.
- Simmer until macaroni is tender.
- Add tomato paste and Ranch Style beans.
- Stir to combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn heat off and let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce along with the tomatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also use any canned beans on hand instead of Ranch Style beans for a different taste. Adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandmother's Beef Surprise with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Classic Burgers To Grill for a hearty family dinner. For added flavor, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Beef Surprise contains roughly 513 calories, with 21g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 973mg per serving (42% 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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, as different shapes may require varying cooking durations.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the tomatoes and corn. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste for a spicy kick that complements the beef flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Grandmother's Beef Surprise freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
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).