Easy Beef, Tomato and Noodle Dinner

 An easy Dutch oven meal from my mother's recipe box that's perfect for busy nights or anytime.  It is made simple with everyday pantry ingredients.

This is one of the meals Mom often made because it was simple, hearty, and didn't leave a sink full of dishes. During the summer months, she preferred spending her time outside tending her vegetable and flower gardens instead of standing over a hot stove. Recipes like this one-pot dinner let her put a satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Made with ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, peppers, and tender egg noodles, this recipe comes together in one pot and is packed with comforting homemade flavor. It's an easy weeknight meal that's just as delicious today as it was when Mom made it for our family.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
2 slices bacon (cut up)
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 (14.5) oz. can tomatoes with peppers
1 (14.5) oz. can chopped tomatoes
1/2 c. water (Or more as needed)
1/4 c. vinegar
1 tbsp parsley flakes
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. red chili flakes
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 c. egg noodles

Directions:

 In a large cast iron Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, cook the ground beef, bacon, onion, and green pepper over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.  Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Stir in the diced tomatoes with green peppers, diced tomatoes, water, vinegar, parsley flakes, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.  Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Stir in the uncooked egg noodles.  Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.  If the mixture becomes too thick before the noodles are done, stir in a little additional water or beef broth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve hot.

Tips for Best Success:

• Brown the beef well for the best flavor.
• Stir occasionally while simmering, so the noodles don't stick to the bottom.
• Don't overcook the noodles—they should be tender but not mushy.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt if needed.
• For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth for part or all of the water.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over each serving.
• Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Try adding these vegetables for a different flavor: Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, and/or celery.
• Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for the ground beef.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with:

• Garlic bread
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Buttered green beans
• Garden salad
• Coleslaw
• Steamed broccoli

How to Store:

• Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use elbow macaroni?
Yes. Elbow macaroni or small shells work well.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors become even better the next day.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Use about 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has just a mild kick. Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger Dutch oven and increase the simmering time slightly if needed.