Reviewed: Apr. 10, 2009

Wow. This is so unbelievably beige. Sure, it makes a metric ton of food on a small amount of ground beef so it's very economical, but it's nearly flavorless and, when you figure out a proper serving size, it doesn't really offer a lot of veggies per person. This is a great base, but I'm not going to be really annoying and give it a great review when this very obviously needs a lot of sprucing up to make a decent dish. I would recommend: More parmesan cheese and mixed through, not sprinkled on top; at least doubling all the spices but salt; more vegetables; adding perhaps fresh basil and halved grape tomatoes at the end and then, just before serving, drop in cubed fresh mozzarella and let it melt from just the heat of the macaroni.

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GamerEdie

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Reviewed: Nov. 15, 2008

Wonderful base recipe. I only made one change, I doubled the spices in the recipe! This is a great base recipe if you want to change up or add different things. Very happy with my turn out.

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hinlardun

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Reviewed: May 1, 2008

This dish was terrific! I made a few alterations- I don't have a dutch oven, so I just browned the meat with the onion, and boiled the diced tomatoes, celery and carrots with the noodles for the recommended time (bring to boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes, I believe). I used about 1/2 the spinach, and then mixed it all together. I put down 1 layer of the mix and then topped with cheddar and french fried onions, and then another layer of the mix topped with the parmesan. Baked for the time and it came out fantastic! Very light and healthy dish with some great flavor! Thanks!

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bearhitch

Cooking Level: Expert

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Reviewed: Apr. 27, 2008

This was very tasty and the family was blissfully unaware of how many vegetables were in the dish. thanks

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JILL-CH

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Spring, Texas, USA

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Reviewed: Mar. 29, 2008

i enjoyed this dish. the only change made was not by hand, my hubby decided to flavor the beef with a splash of beer when i was not looking...still good though!

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AMBER

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Living In: Boise, Idaho, USA

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Reviewed: Nov. 29, 2007

Loved this. I had a similar idea but felt like I was missing something. When I found this I realized it was the tomatoes. I actually used a box of shells and cheese, seasoned burger, a jar of homemade rotel, a bag of frozen spinach, and mixed in a bag of shredded colby jack cheese (on top of the cheese that came with the shells) The rotel gave it a kick, but not too much. I didn't have the carrots or celery on hand but I think it was ok w/o. Yum! Thanks for posting!!

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KUJayhawksfan

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Junction City, Kansas, USA

Living In: Raymore, Missouri, USA

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Reviewed: Jul. 10, 2007

My husband loved this. I am only giving it a four because I changed it up a bit. I did not add the tomatoes to the mix and instead added 2 cans of cream of celery and half a can of milk.Then I garnished with a little cheddar and tomato. I don't usually add Italian spices to food and I must say it was delicious!

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Shelley

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Midwest City, Oklahoma, USA

Living In: Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

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Reviewed: May 24, 2007

Yummy! I halved the recipe and it still made a ton. I didn't have enough parmesean cheese so I grated a cup of cheddar too. I also topped my kids' bowls with marinara so they would eat it without whining! It's just as good leftover too. This recipe is a keeper.

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aclements25

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Reviewed: Nov. 17, 2006

This was a tasty dish. I did not have any carrots so I left them out. I halved the recipe and it still made enough for 5 meals for me and my husband. I thought it needed more spinach and my husband thought it needed less (he’s not a big spinach fan). I hope to report later on how well it freezes. This is not a fancy dish, but one that is filling and satisfying.

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