I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. &mdash;Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon 

Dinner in a Bag

beef

(14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes

onion

salt

chili powder

pepper

sugar

elbow macaroni

A co-worker gave this recipe to me over 20 years ago and I have been making it ever since.  It is flavorful and so easy to make; just follow the directions.  My husband and I really enjoy it with the Hawaiian rolls.

We've made this for years, too, and call it "easy goulash" - it's a great go-to meal when you haven't anything in mind. I love the idea of having all the ingredients together ready-to-go. Thanks for the tip! Another tip: I buy hamburger, or ground chuck (or turkey, or whatever) in bulk on sale, cook it with chopped onion (

Another recipe my whole family loves and that I have been making for years!

Am I correct in reading that we don't add any water, the pasta Cooks in the tomato juices from can?

Better and easier than my goulash recipe! Been looking for a simple recipe like this. If more liquid is needed for the macaronis, I use some V8 juice. So tasty. Thank you.

Heather, yes. Just cook the pasta in the canned tomatoes. I use diced tomatoes, add some dried or fresh basil and green onions at the end. My son always liked me to sprinkle some cheese on top before serving. I have also added frozen corn or red and green pepper when I have time to chop.

Very simple but delicious meal! I did add  chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. I also tried Mexican stewed tomatoes and it came out delicious.  Thanks for the recipe!

This is a great recipe.  We doubled the recipe and instead of using stewed tomatoes, we used 3 quarts of tomatoes we canned from our garden and a full box of macaroni.  Put some fresh, chopped garden onions on top.  This is a keeper

I have been making this dish (I just call it "Chili Mac") over probably 10 years.  It's delicious, easy and fast.  My only change is I don't add the extra 1 t. salt; I think the stewed tomatoes have enough salt in them anyway.

Cook macaroni separately (if you freeze the leftovers, pasta thaws like mush).   Add a can of beans.  Some some zucchini.  You can dress this up in different ways.  Great basic recipe.

Love, love, love this recipe.  Has been a go to recipe for me for years.  Whole family loves it.  I added chopped onion and green pepper to ground beef when browning.  Then a can of drained mushrooms at the end of cooking time.  So good..

Wow this was AWESOME!!  Will make this again for sure!! I used home canned tomatoes rather then store bought which cuts down on the sodium a lot!  I also added a little oregano and garlic salt!! INCREDIBLE!! :)

This is great for a quick meal on a weeknight. Hearty and filling and doesn’t take too long to make.

We love this!  Have made it now for years and think of it as my own hamburger helper mix.  I only do half of the hamburger to stretch my dollar and my own canned tomatoes.  I'm like most cooks here I only add part of the salt and  add some garlic powder to it.

Pefect. I double the chili, put real onions and parsley and everyone's loves this very fast supper. Like a Chili Homemade Hamburger Helper ! A keeper for fast and economical supper. Thanks!

I've been making variations on this since it was originally published in the Quick Cooking '99 book.  I love it and it's a hit in my house.

It's good although the macaroni is a bit chewy and it's been on for longer than what was recommended.

the dish was very good- i did have add 3 cups of liquid to bew able to cook the macaroni- my canned stew tomatoes may had not enough liquids to cook the macaroni- i did add alittle more dried onions and i added some oregano to it.  it was a hearty meal- i am still eating it -lots of left overs. i truely like that you can put dry ingreadents a  a bag to be readsy and throw it all together.  sue

Amazing as a gift. We’ve given several to “New Parents”. Always well received.

Made this recipe and will make it again. It was of quick and easy.  I added a little garlic  powder and less salt. Served with a salad it's a perfect meal.

dinner in a bag

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Cost: $7.15 /serving

Author : Taste of Home

Ingredients

Instructions

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