Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner ideas that are also easy on the sodium? This no-salt-added ground beef hot dish recipe is perfect for you! Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, it's a satisfying meal the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for those watching their sodium intake, but also offers a fantastic opportunity to explore bold flavors using herbs and spices instead of relying on salt. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup (low sodium or no salt added)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, check the sodium content)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, macaroni, beef broth, oregano, basil, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Serve hot. This dish is even better the next day!
Tips for a Flavorful No-Salt Hot Dish:
- Don't be shy with the spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding a pinch of paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: Fresh herbs and vegetables will add more depth of flavor than their dried counterparts.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed: Even without salt, you can achieve great flavor balance. Taste your hot dish throughout the cooking process and add more herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
- Consider adding other vegetables: Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini would be delicious additions to this recipe.
Variations:
- Spicy Hot Dish: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Hot Dish: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef substitute.
- Creamy Hot Dish: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without cheese):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always check the nutritional labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information.
This no-salt-added ground beef hot dish is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a great example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be created without relying on excessive sodium. Enjoy!