How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Busy Day Dinner?

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained, 1 (7 oz.) box elbow macaroni, cooked and drained, 1 c. finely chopped celery, 1 c. chopped green pepper, and more.

Is Busy Day Dinner suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, Busy Day Dinner falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Busy Day Dinner?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Busy Day Dinner Recipe

Name: Busy Day Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained; 1 (7 oz.) box elbow macaroni, cooked and drained; 1 c. finely chopped celery; 1 c. chopped green pepper; 1 c. finely chopped onion; 2 c. thinly sliced carrots; 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid, chopped; 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce; 1 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. pepper; 2 tsp. chili powder; 2 1/2 c. water

Try this homemade Busy Day Dinner recipe the whole family will love. Made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, celery and green pepper. Easy step-by-step i…

This Busy Day Dinner relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as finely chopped celery, chopped green pepper, finely chopped onion and thinly sliced carrots. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 399 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Busy Day Dinner

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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