Szabo'S Depression Dinner

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 11 Cuisine: American

A hearty, nostalgic comfort dish featuring crispy bacon, mashed potatoes, and egg noodles fried together for a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 5 lb. potatoes
  • 1 lb. bacon
  • 1 lb. egg noodles
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon in a frying pan or microwave until crispy, then crumble.
  3. Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, then drain.
  4. Mash the potatoes and stir in 1/4 cup milk.
  5. In a large frying pan, combine the mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, and cooked noodles with a little bacon drippings.
  6. Fry the mixture until browned on all sides, like hash browns.
  7. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or a dollop of sour cream to the mashed potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for flavor. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, to alter the texture and taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Szabo's Depression Dinner with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Breaded Fried Pork Chops for a heartier feast. This dish is also excellent topped with a fried egg for breakfast or brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for even heating, adding a splash of milk if the mixture seems dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Szabo'S Depression Dinner contains roughly 993 calories, with 17g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

993 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.7g 33% DV
Total Fat 41.7g 53% DV
Carbs 137.6g 50% DV
Fiber 11.6g 41% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 287.6mg 13% DV
Potassium 3221.5mg 69% DV
Cholesterol 17.9mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 47.6mg 53% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 66.4mg 5% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 noodle?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with any pasta type you prefer, such as rotini or shells, to add your own twist to this comforting dish.

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).

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