Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I can’t tell you how many times this Beefy Tomato Noodle Delight has saved me on a busy weeknight when I just don’t know what to cook. It has that perfect balance of hearty and comforting, plus it’s super easy to whip up in under 30 minutes! It’s become one of those go-to recipes that I just can’t resist.
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was during a cold winter night. I had a craving for something warm and filling, and my pantry just happened to be stocked with a few simple ingredients. As I stirred it all together, the wonderful aromas filled my kitchen, and my family practically raided the pot! This recipe has a way of bringing everyone together, and I just love how you can enjoy a tasty, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What’s in Beefy Tomato Noodle Delight?
Now, let’s take a closer look at the delicious ingredients that make this dish come to life:
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I usually go for lean ground beef to keep things healthier, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just don’t skimp on this, as it brings all that rich flavor!
Egg Noodles: These little gems are like a warm hug in a bowl. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. I adore using egg noodles, but you can substitute them with any pasta you have in your pantry.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds freshness and a burst of acidity to balance out the richness of the beef. I often choose the low-sodium variety to manage my salt intake.
Zucchini: Packed with vitamins and a lovely crunch, zucchini adds a great texture to the dish. Feel free to swap it out for your favorite veggie if you’re not a fan.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful, these peppers brighten up the dish both in appearance and taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix and match with other colored bell peppers.
Onion and Garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor! Sautéing them together creates a heavenly aroma that will have your mouth watering in no time.
Olive Oil: A little bit of healthy fat to make everything sauté beautifully. Plus, it adds a nice touch of richness.
Italian Seasoning: This is the secret ingredient that makes this dish feel like a cozy Italian atmosphere. It’s aromatic and comforting, just like a hug from your grandma.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? This adds that irresistible finishing touch, contributing creaminess and flavor.
Salt and Pepper: The essentials that help to bring all the flavors together. Adjust to your taste!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks pretty but also adds a refreshing touch to this dish.
Is Beefy Tomato Noodle Delight Good for You?
You bet! This dish strikes a nice balance when it comes to nutrition without compromising on flavor.
Ground Beef: This protein powerhouse provides essential nutrients, including iron and B vitamins. Just keep in mind to choose lean cuts to keep the fat content in check.
Egg Noodles: While these are a fun carb option, they do have a moderate glycemic index. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, whole wheat or vegetable noodles could be a good swap.
Zucchini and Bell Pepper: Both of these veggies are low in calories and high in vitamins, making them perfect for boosting the nutrition of your meal.
With a great mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs, this dish not only fills you up but also provides a spectrum of nutrients. Just remember to keep an eye on the portion sizes if you’re watching your intake—it’s easy to go back for seconds with something this tasty!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of what you need for this delightful dish (serves about 4):
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Beefy Tomato Noodle Delight?
Ready to get cookin’? Let’s dive in:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nice and softened. Ah, that smell!
2. Now, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s all browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it out!
3. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.
4. While that’s cooking, boil your egg noodles according to package instructions. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside.
5. Combine the cooked noodles with the beefy tomato mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh parsley before diving in!
Serve Up Your Beefy Delight!
This dish is so adaptable; you can make it your own! Add in extra veggies, use a different type of cheese, or even throw in some red pepper flakes for a kick. It’s also excellent as leftovers—I like to pack it for lunch the next day; the flavors just get better with time!
I hope you give this Beefy Tomato Noodle Delight a try! Trust me; your taste buds will be doing a happy dance. And if you do make it, please come back and share your experience—I love hearing your cooking adventures! Enjoy every bite!
