Thursday, March 28, 2013

Kid-Friendly Food: Cheesy Tomato Beef and Noodles

This recipe is old.  I don't know how old, but one day I found it in a box, in a drawer, written on the back of a receipt. From my pre-marriage days. 
 
It looked easy.  Yessssss.
 
It looked kid-friendly.  Possibly.  But, you never know with my kids. 
 
 I decided to give it a try.
 
And I am glad I did, because it was an instant hit with all my boys - the little ones and the big one.
 
I am always looking for things that are easy and kid-friendly, like say, Hamburger Helper, but that aren't actually Hamburger Helper.  Because I'll be honest, Hamburger Helper is kindof gross to me. 
 
This one fit the bill.  And it gets gobbled up every. single. time.

Cheesy Tomato Beef and Noodles

Cheesy Tomato Beef Casserole

1 c. dry elbow macaroni, cooked
1 lb. ground beef
1 T. oil
1 small onion, diced
½ green pepper, diced
1 t. salt
¼ t. pepper
1 t. basil
1 T. parsley
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 c. shredded cheese, plus some for topping
Up to ½ c. milk (I use evaporated)

Cook macaroni in a large saucepan.  While macaroni is cooking, sauté the onion and green peppers in oil.  Add ground beef and brown.  Add cooked, drained macaroni and remaining ingredients, except milk, and simmer 10 minutes.  Add milk to desired creaminess.  Top with additional shredded cheese to serve.
 
*NOTE: For those avoiding condensed soups, I have made this successfully by substituting an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce mixed with 1/4 c. cream (to equal 10 oz.), and a packet of Splenda (or about 2 t. sugar).

 
 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. We may need to try this one. My children have all of the sudden gotten picky at dinner time. I'm always looking for new options.

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  2. This was excellent. I made it with reduced fat sausage. I suggest omitting the salt if using sausage. thanks for sharing!!!
    I also used 2 cups radiatore pasta instead of elbow macaroni

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