My Grandma’s Embarrassingly Simple Dinner Recipe You Will Love

What is the simplest dinner you can make that still tastes amazing?

The Beauty of Simple Ingredients

Sometimes, the magic of cooking lies not in elaborate meals but in our ability to turn simple ingredients into delicious dishes. In fact, many of our fondest culinary memories stem from recipes passed down through generations. There’s something special about those concoctions that bring comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of family togetherness. One such recipe is my grandma’s embarrassingly simple three-ingredient dinner that can transform your weeknight meals.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

As kids, you might recall the meals your family made time and again, often during those busy weekdays when preparing dinner felt like a chore. You probably have a few treasured recipes that resonate with you. For me, this straightforward dish is what springs to mind. Growing up, my grandma raised eight kids on a farm, which meant she often had to be resourceful with her cooking.

With a bustling household, she mastered the craft of creating delicious meals without a lengthy list of ingredients. The dishes she made not only filled stomachs but were also memorable. I remember gathering around the table, eagerly anticipating the taste of something familiar, something comforting.

Ingredients That Make Magic Happen

The Star Ingredients

This simple recipe features just three main ingredients. Let’s break them down:

1. Bacon: This crispy, smoky goodness adds flavor and richness. The bacon transforms the dish and packs it with delightful umami.

2. Egg Noodles: These tender noodles serve as the staple foundation, perfectly soaking up the flavors that follow.

3. Condensed Tomato Soup: Often overlooked, a can of tomato soup can work wonders. It creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together, offering a comforting base that warms your soul.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

You’re probably wondering how a combination of bacon, egg noodles, and tomato soup can create a satisfying meal. It’s all about balance.

• Fat and Flavor: The bacon releases fat as it cooks, providing flavor that penetrates both the noodles and tomato soup.
• Texture: The crunchy bacon juxtaposes perfectly with the soft noodles, bringing a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Simplicity: Each ingredient is easy to find and affordable, making this recipe perfect during busy periods.

Cooking Your Grandma’s Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s get into the cooking process. The steps are simple, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss.

1. Cook the Bacon
   Start by cooking the bacon according to the package instructions. You can choose to pan-fry it if you prefer, but I recommend baking it in the oven to keep things tidy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Lay out the bacon slices and bake until your preferred crispness is achieved, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Egg Noodles
   While the bacon is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Make the Tomato Soup
   Now it’s time to prepare the star of the dish: the tomato soup. In a medium pot, combine the condensed tomato soup with an equal amount of water (usually around 10.75-12 ounces). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

4. Combine All Ingredients
   Once the soup is heated, add the chopped bacon. Stir to combine and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes.

5. Serve
   The final step is serving! Ladle the bacon-tomato soup mixture over a generous portion of egg noodles. This dish is best served hot, and it’s a wonderful idea to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you have them on hand.

Tips for Customization

While this recipe is delicious as-is, you might enjoy personalizing it to suit your tastes.

• Add Vegetables: For more nutrients, consider adding frozen peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers. You can sauté them briefly before adding the soup.

• Spice It Up: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup for an exciting twist.

• Alternate Proteins: If you’re not a bacon fan, try diced ham or cooked ground beef as an alternative protein.

Nutritional Considerations

While this dish is comfort food at its best, understanding its nutritional profile can help you enjoy it more consciously.

Caloric Information

The simple three-ingredient nature of the dish keeps the calories at a moderate level, making it a satisfying yet accessible choice. Here’s a rough breakdown of the calories:

Remember, portions can vary based on how much of each component you use. Adapting this dish for a family of four or even meal prepping for the week means you can control the total calories and servings too.

Protein and Fiber Content

• Protein: The bacon adds good protein, while egg noodles contribute carbs and some protein as well.
• Fiber: Consider increasing fiber content by adding veggies. Fresh spinach or peas can add some roughage without overwhelming the dish.

Why It’s Worth Recreating

Revisiting simple recipes like this one not only brings back fond memories but also allows you to appreciate the beauty of straightforward cooking.

Practical for Busy Nights

With a limited number of ingredients, you can whip up this easy dinner in no time, making it ideal for hectic schedules.

Affordable and Accessible

In a world where grocery bills can be daunting, sticking to simple recipes that utilize pantry staples can help you stay within budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Cooking with Loved Ones

Recreating this dish can be a lovely bonding experience with friends or family. Cooking together fosters creativity and connection, amplifying the flavors of food with laughter and shared stories.

A Modern Twist

In the context of today’s busy lifestyles, perhaps the best thing about a simple dish like this is its adaptability. Trendy cooking methods like Instant Pot, air fryer, or slow cooker can give you a modern take on this classic recipe. You can use the Instant Pot to cook everything together, or an air fryer for crispy bacon while the noodles boil.

Instant Pot Method

1. Add pasta, bacon (cut into bits), and tomato soup with the required water to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Place all ingredients into a slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, adjusting cooking time as per your slow cooker’s specifications.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this deceptively simple dish, you might find yourself wondering why it took so long to adopt it into your cooking repertoire. The great news is that anyone can make it, accommodating various diets and preferences.

By incorporating this block of nostalgia into your weekly dinner rotation, you embrace not only the ease of cooking but also the warmth of family traditions. Memories of your grandma’s laughter in the kitchen can merge with the sizzling of bacon in your own home, creating a beautiful connection across generations.

So, the next time you’re stumped on what to make for dinner, remember that sometimes, less really is more. And when it comes to comfort food, it’s hard to beat a steaming bowl of egg noodles covered in bacon-tomato soup. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and make it your own!