Susan'S Quick Dinner
A quick, hearty ground beef and vegetable stir-fry with a savory tomato and soy sauce flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef until cooked through.
- Drain well to remove excess fat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, zucchini, chopped onion, and soy sauce to the beef.
- Cook uncovered over medium heat until tomatoes are soft and form a sauce.
- Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to prevent the mixture from getting too thick.
- Serve the mixture over cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile; feel free to throw in any leftover vegetables you have on hand. To enhance flavors, consider incorporating garlic or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty mixture over cooked white rice for a filling meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Ellen'S Chili for a comforting meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. This dish also freezes well; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susan'S Quick Dinner contains roughly 426 calories, with 11g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2585mg per serving (112% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through. If using a leaner meat, you may want to add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is great over rice, but you can also serve it with pasta, quinoa, or even in a wrap. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a light salad for balance. For a heartier option, serve with a side of Tres' 7 Layer Dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also add beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for added 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).