Rachel'S One Dish Dinner
A hearty one-dish dinner combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and cheese, perfect for family meals and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped bell pepper and onion in a small amount of oil until tender, then set aside.
- Cook ground beef until all moisture is cooked out.
- Add cooked bell pepper and onion to the beef, then stir in red chili sauce and canned tomatoes.
- Simmer the mixture for one hour.
- Cook macaroni until barely tender.
- Add cooked macaroni to the meat mixture and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Arrange black olives around the dish before serving.
- Serve with garlic bread and cole slaw.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can be used. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding some corn or diced zucchini can enhance the vegetable content, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This one-dish dinner is hearty enough on its own, but serving it with garlic bread and cole slaw adds a nice touch. A side salad can also brighten the meal. For those who enjoy variety, consider pairing it with a bowl of One-Hour Vegetable Soup for a complete dinner experience.
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 with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rachel'S One Dish Dinner contains roughly 298 calories, with 13g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it up, cook the macaroni, and combine them before adding cheese and olives.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can include additional vegetables like corn, diced zucchini, or even mushrooms to make the dish heartier. Just sauté them with the onions and bell peppers for the best flavor integration.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt it by using plant-based ground meat alternatives and omitting the Cheddar cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free version. You may also increase the amount of beans or add lentils for protein.
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).