Norma'S Easy One Dish Meal
A hearty, flavor-packed one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and pasta, perfect for quick family dinners with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet, brown the hamburger meat.
- Pour off the fat.
- Push the meat to the sides of the skillet and sauté the onion in the center.
- Add catsup, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, red pepper, black pepper, and water to the skillet.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, cook the macaroni until tender and drain.
- Add the cooked macaroni and pork and beans to the meat mixture.
- Correct seasonings as needed and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onion. If you're out of chili powder, a mix of paprika and cumin can work as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger meat with lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with Beans And Stuff for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even warming. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norma'S Easy One Dish Meal contains roughly 521 calories, with 22g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2479mg per serving (108% 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! You can substitute the hamburger meat with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences.
What can I serve with this dish?
This one-dish meal is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It also pairs well with cornbread for a comforting touch. Consider offering grated cheese on top for added richness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a kick of heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like to customize their spice level.
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).