Lucille Ball’s Favorite Sunday Night Supper Copycat Recipe

Lucille Ball’s Favorite Sunday Night Supper is a comforting, hearty pasta dish that combines ground beef, tender vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe pays homage to Lucy’s classic, no-fuss style of cooking.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This dish is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare in one pot. The combination of beef, green onions, bell peppers, and tomato creates a rich and satisfying meal, while uncooked pasta absorbs the sauce, giving a creamy, comforting texture.

What Is the Dish?

A vintage-style, one-pot pasta dinner with ground beef, green vegetables, and tomato sauce. Lucy’s recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for a Sunday night meal for the whole family.

Cooking Tips

• Brown the beef thoroughly to develop flavor.
• Sauté aromatics lightly for maximum aroma and taste.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
• Adjust seasoning with paprika or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
• Serve with garlic bread and crisp iceberg lettuce for a classic vintage touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?

Yes, egg noodles, rotini, macaroni, or any short pasta works well.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Add pasta when ready to serve to maintain texture.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure canned tomatoes are gluten-free.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes, carrots, celery, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.

Can I Make It Spicy?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Freeze

This dish freezes well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground chuck)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bunches green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 (11.5 oz) can tomato juice (or tomato sauce)
• 1 (12–14.5 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1 + ½ cups uncooked pasta noodles (egg noodles, rotini, or macaroni)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a dash of paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Lucille Ball's Sunday Night Dinner

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Add chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and green onions to the beef. Cook 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Pour in tomato juice and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in uncooked pasta, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Plate hot. Optional: add paprika or Worcestershire sauce to taste. Serve with garlic bread and iceberg lettuce with dressing if desired.