Vera'S Saucy Dish
Vera's Saucy Dish is a hearty, flavorful pasta sauce packed with tender vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato base. Its savory Parmesan topping and balanced seasoning make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comforting, robust flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes (28 oz.), broken up ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place green pepper and onion in a large skillet.
- Add enough water to cover vegetables.
- Cook over medium-high heat until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; add more water if necessary.
- Cook beef until done, breaking into smaller pieces as you stir.
- Drain the mixture.
- Add tomato paste, whole tomatoes (including liquid from can), and crushed tomatoes to the skillet.
- Reduce heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan cheese and all seasonings.
- Simmer over low-medium heat for about 30 minutes.
- Pour sauce into hot cooked pasta.
- Stir to mix well.
- Serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, you might add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You could also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, which are great meat substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a twist, try serving it alongside stuffed rigatoni for a fun presentation. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vera'S Saucy Dish contains roughly 211 calories, with 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 6-8 medium tomatoes will yield the same amount as the large cans. Just peel and chop them before adding to the skillet. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an additional flavor boost.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).