Name: One-Pot Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 cup chopped celery; ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt (optional); ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles; 1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes; ¾ cup water; 1 beef bouillon cube

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This One-Pot Dinner is a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed meal I love making when I need something satisfying without a mountain of dishes. With ground beef, fresh veggies, noodles, and pantry staples like kidney beans and stewed tomatoes, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes—and always disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of classic comfort food flavor. Everything simmers together in one pot, which means cleanup is minimal. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, noodles, and beans makes it filling enough for dinner but light enough not to leave me feeling weighed down. One-Pot Dinner

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
¾ cup water
1 beef bouillon cube

Directions

I heat a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, onion, celery, and green pepper until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the meat is fully cooked. I drain any excess fat.
I stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt (if using), basil, and black pepper.
I add the uncooked egg noodles, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes (with juices), water, and the beef bouillon cube.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and everything is well combined.
I serve it hot, straight from the pot, with optional toppings like shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 5.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans. When I want to make it spicier, I add chili flakes or use diced tomatoes with green chilies. I’ve also added corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies. If I need a vegetarian version, I leave out the beef and double the beans or use lentils.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve used both ground turkey and ground chicken, and they work great. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?

I’ve made this with elbow macaroni and small shells. Most small pasta shapes work well—just keep an eye on cooking time.

Do I need to cook the noodles separately?

Nope! I love that the noodles cook right in the same pot, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it in the morning and reheat for dinner. The flavors deepen after sitting for a few hours.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, I’ve frozen it in individual portions for easy lunches. Just cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Dinner is one of those reliable, easy meals that always satisfies. It’s perfect when I want something warm and filling with minimal prep and cleanup. With protein, veggies, and pasta all in one, it’s the kind of dish I keep on regular rotation—especially on busy weeknights when I want dinner on the table fast.