The Meal Stretcher
A hearty, budget-friendly dish combining creamy mushroom soup with savory meat and corn, perfect for quick weeknight meals or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If using hamburger, brown it in a skillet and drain the fat.
- If using Spam, chop it into chunks.
- Bring to a boil the cream of mushroom soup and water in a pot.
- Add the drained corn and Spam chunks or cooked hamburger to the soup mixture.
- Cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir well and let it stay for 1 minute before serving.
- Serve as is or over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to the soup mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, sauté some onions or garlic with the hamburger. You can substitute the canned corn with frozen corn or even mixed vegetables for added nutrition. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with other proteins like cooked chicken or turkey.
Serving Suggestions
This meal can be served on its own or over a bed of rice for a heartier option. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. It also complements well with bread rolls or biscuits for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short increments, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Meal Stretcher contains roughly 376 calories, with 15g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% 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 soup for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, depending on your preference. Each will bring a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
Consider adding spices like paprika, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes for added texture and taste. This recipe is very adaptable to personal preferences.
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).