Train Wreck
A hearty, flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, chicken, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and those craving a bold, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed chicken ⓘ
- 2 pounds hamburger ⓘ
- 2 large onions, cubed ⓘ
- 2 large peppers, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute hamburger, onions, peppers, and garlic; drain.
- Add all other ingredients except macaroni to the mixture.
- Cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- Add cooked elbow macaroni and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicy chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you prefer a leaner option. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, any pasta shape will work. To enhance the flavor, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This hearty meal is reminiscent of comforting American recipes, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for an extra touch. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a refreshing beverage or some roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a filling option that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the mixture has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Train Wreck contains roughly 1431 calories, with 57g protein, 259g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (303% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2614mg per serving (114% 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 make Train Wreck ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just follow the cooking instructions when you're ready to serve. This can be a great time-saver for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don’t have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of Train Wreck?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken and hamburger with a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins. Consider using lentils, mushrooms, or even a meat substitute. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
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).