Description
This hearty Macaroni and Beef recipe is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and simmered with tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and beef broth, then cooked together with elbow macaroni until tender. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious, kid-friendly dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, developing the base flavors of the dish.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and enhance the flavor profile.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and prepare for cooking the macaroni.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged and evenly coated. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and cook over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the mixture, adding a rich, creamy finish to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh and colorful garnish. Serve the macaroni and beef warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to incorporate extra vegetables and nutrients.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping and leftovers.
