“Dinner� and “supper� both refer to the evening meal in modern American English, but they carry different historical and regional nuances. In short, either word is correct for the main meal eaten in the evening; “dinner� is more common and formal, while “supper� often implies a lighter, more casual meal. This guide explains the distinctions, offers usage tips, and includes a classic supper recipe you can serve any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (2 g) dried oregano
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (200 g) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then cover until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you used ground beef, the safe minimum internal temperature is 160°F (71°C) as measured with a food thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines.
Tips
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken; cook to 165°F (74°C). Use any short pasta like penne or shells.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Common mistake: Don’t overcook the pasta—it will become mushy. Check at 15 minutes and adjust.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty skillet meal with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli. Crusty bread or garlic toast works well to soak up the sauce. For a traditional “supper� feel, pair with a light dessert like fruit or a cookie.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) of drained chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Cook until heated through.
- Cheesy baked: After cooking, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.
- Spicy: Add 1/2 tsp (1 g) chili powder or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
- Herbed: Stir in 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring until hot (165°F / 74°C). Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. For freezing, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, press out air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “supper� a southern word? Yes, “supper� is more common in the American South and Midwest, but it’s used in other regions too. It often connotes a casual, family-style evening meal.
Can “dinner� mean lunch? Historically, “dinner� referred to the main meal of the day, which was often eaten at midday. Today, in most English-speaking countries, “dinner� typically means the evening meal, but in some regions (like parts of the UK), “dinner� can still refer to lunch.
Which is more formal, dinner or supper? “Dinner� is generally considered more formal and is used for special occasions or when referring to a fancy meal. “Supper� feels more informal and homely.
Is there a difference in the food served? Not really. The same dishes can be served at either. However, “supper� sometimes implies a lighter meal, while “dinner� might be heartier.
What about “tea� in the UK? In parts of the UK, “tea� can mean the evening meal, especially in working-class or northern areas. This is distinct from afternoon tea, which is a light snack with tea.
Should I use “dinner� or “supper� in writing? Both are correct; choose based on your audience. “Dinner� is more widely understood and neutral, while “supper� adds a regional or nostalgic flavor.
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More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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