One Dish Meat Dinner
A hearty, comforting one-dish meat dinner featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, topped with cheese, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, diced onion, and green pepper in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add canned tomatoes, dark Karo syrup, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Cook shell macaroni until tender and drain.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the meat sauce and transfer to a large casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using diced garlic or mushrooms alongside the onion and green pepper. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the dark Karo syrup or substitute with honey or maple syrup. To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. This dish can also be adapted with different types of pasta, like penne or fusilli.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty one-dish meat dinner is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with a side of corn or coleslaw. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a refreshing drink.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Dish Meat Dinner contains roughly 114 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes can be used in place of ground beef. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used, especially if you choose a leaner option.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of shell macaroni?
If you don't have shell macaroni, you can substitute it with any short pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta, which should work well with the meat sauce.
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).