Quick And Simple Meal
A hearty, cheesy pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef and tender macaroni, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying comfort food, it combines bold flavors with simplicity, making it ideal for families and busy cooks seeking a delicious, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet and add chili powder, garlic salt or powder, and stewed tomatoes.
- Cook the uncooked elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
- Mix the cooked ground chuck mixture with the cooked macaroni.
- Pour the mixture into a covered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in a covered casserole dish at 325°F (163°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers when browning the ground chuck. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans or lentils. Use any cheese on hand; cheddar or mozzarella work well, but for a twist, try pepper jack for added spice.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some cornbread muffins for a complete meal. For a flavorful twist, serve with a dollop of Blushing Bunny Sauce. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Simple Meal contains roughly 249 calories, with 23g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. At about 249 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's instructions to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the ground chuck.
Can this meal be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the ground chuck mixture while cooking. For a more robust taste, consider incorporating Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. These additions will elevate the dish and complement the cheese and tomatoes beautifully.
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).