- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles (pre-cooked to save time)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
- Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, or sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Dice the onion and slice the bell pepper.
- If using uncooked noodles, boil according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Step 3: Sauté Veggies
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until heated through.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Stir in the pre-cooked noodles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
Step 5: Melt & Serve
- Cover the skillet and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper if desired, then serve hot.
Why This Recipe Works
By combining key elements—tender beef, creamy cheese, and vibrant veggies—you create a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Pre-cooking noodles ahead of time or opting for convenience items like frozen veggies ensures minimal effort while maintaining maximum flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make It Ahead: Brown the beef earlier in the day and refrigerate it; simply reheat and assemble the rest in minutes.
- Customize Proteins: Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based proteins if needed.
- Add Spices: Include chili powder, cumin, or Worcestershire sauce for deeper complexity.
- Freeze Portions: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for future effortless dinners.
- Switch Up Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or feta for variety.
This cheat code recipe isn’t just about saving time—it’s about preserving peace of mind (and maybe even earning bonus points with your hubby). With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and lightning-fast prep, it’s sure to become your new secret weapon against busy weeknights. So grab that skillet, toss in some cheese, and enjoy the magic of this simplified masterpiece! 🍴✨
