John Torrey
A hearty baked macaroni and beef casserole with savory tomato sauce, peppers, and melted Cheddar, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 oz. low-fat Cheddar cheese, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chopped garlic
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped mushrooms, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Spray a skillet with a non-stick coating.
- Add ground beef, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and chopped garlic; sauté until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, chopped mushrooms, salt, chili powder, and cooked macaroni; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish sprayed with non-stick coating.
- Bake, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of milk before baking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. If you want to add some heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. This recipe can also be easily adapted with different vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to incorporate more nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Party Squares for a fun gathering or a side of roasted vegetables for a healthier option. Consider topping with additional cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John Torrey contains roughly 233 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1504mg per serving (65% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
If you don't have elbow macaroni on hand, any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or shells will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance the flavor.
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).