Tex'S Economy Supper
A hearty, budget-friendly comfort dish featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and pasta, perfect for quick family dinners and adaptable with leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain ground beef and chopped onion.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and a can of milk, stirring constantly.
- Add hot pepper flakes to taste.
- Mix in cooked macaroni.
- Serve with toast and green beans.
- For leftovers, add a can of tomato soup and warm up.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef and onion. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, using a different soup, such as cream of celery, can add a unique twist. This dish is similar in heartiness to Zippy Beef Casserole, making it a versatile choice for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tex'S Economy Supper alongside buttery toast and seasoned green beans for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables also complement this dish well. For a heartier option, pair it with mashed potatoes or rice. This meal is reminiscent of American recipes that prioritize comfort and simplicity, making it perfect for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex'S Economy Supper contains roughly 623 calories, with 30g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% 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 pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid when mixed with the sauce. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the dish to your pantry ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use a vegetable-based cream soup instead of cream of mushroom. This not only makes the dish suitable for vegetarians but also provides a new flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the hot pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of chili powder to customize the spice level to your preference. This will enhance the dish's flavor, making it even more exciting.
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).