Hamburger & Tomato Paste
A hearty and savory dish featuring tender hamburger meat simmered with tomato paste and onions, perfect over rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger meat in a frying pan until browned and drain off excess grease.
- Add a heaping tablespoon of flour to the cooked meat and stir well.
- Pour in the small can of tomato paste along with a small can of water, stirring to combine.
- Add about two small cans more of water and stir again.
- Simmer until the mixture is heated through and flavors meld, then serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like paprika and cumin to the meat while cooking. If you don’t have flour, cornstarch can be used as a thickening substitute. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. This dish can be served with a side of cornbread or paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over a bed of rice for a hearty meal or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. It pairs excellently with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting twist, serve with a side of cornbread or alongside a bowl of soup. This recipe is versatile and can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger & Tomato Paste contains roughly 247 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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 ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger meat. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed since these meats can be milder in flavor. The tomato paste will still provide a rich taste to the dish.
What if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the amount of water added to achieve the desired consistency. Adding a tablespoon of sugar can also help balance the acidity of crushed tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave until heated 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).