Hamburger Monterey
Hamburger Monterey is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned beef, crispy bacon, beans, and melted cheddar cheese in a flavorful tomato and chili sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and fry until crisp. Set aside.
- Shape the ground beef into tiny balls.
- Cook the beef balls in the bacon fat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Slice the onion and dice the green pepper.
- Cook the onion and green pepper until lightly brown.
- Add the beans, tomato soup, chili powder, cooked macaroni, salt, and Accent to the vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Grate the Cheddar cheese.
- Add the cheese to the mixture and stir until melted.
- Add the cooked bacon and meatballs to the mixture.
- Simmer everything together for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef or use low-sodium canned beans. Feel free to swap out the Cheddar for a different cheese like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Incorporating spices such as cumin or paprika can also elevate the dish, reminiscent of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hamburger Monterey with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Missouri Chili for a hearty dinner. For a casual gathering, offer toppings like sour cream or sliced jalapeños on the side. This dish also works well as a filling for burritos or stuffed peppers for an exciting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe container, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Monterey contains roughly 630 calories, with 34g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2617mg per serving (114% 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 make Hamburger Monterey ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by cooking the components and assembling them before refrigerating. Just reheat the mixture when ready to serve. This is great for meal prep or for serving at gatherings.
What can I substitute for red kidney beans?
If you don't have red kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans are excellent alternatives. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor, making them suitable substitutes in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
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).