Grounded Skroodles
Grounded Skroodles feature a hearty blend of ground beef, bacon, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners craving savory satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, fry bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon from the pot and set aside.
- Saute onions in the bacon grease.
- Add ground round, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and fry until browned.
- Stir and mash while frying until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Return bacon to the pot and add chopped green peppers, mashed stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, and sugar.
- Mix everything together and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the sauce.
- Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon for traditional bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils. You can also use pre-chopped frozen onions and bell peppers to save time. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile, making it reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of Picnic Beans for a delightful contrast of flavors. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grounded Skroodles contains roughly 375 calories, with 23g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (417% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1794mg per serving (78% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives to ground round. They will provide a lighter flavor and reduce the fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as leaner meats may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
What kind of noodles work best with Skroodles?
Any pasta will work well, but wider noodles like egg noodles or pappardelle will hold the sauce nicely. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, ensuring they are al dente before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, cook the noodles and combine them with the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for a convenient meal option during 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).