Description
This hearty Macaroni and Beef recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful ground beef tomato sauce, enhanced by aromatic vegetables and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with cheese or made dairy-free for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables: To the browned beef, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the cheese can melt.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving the dish hot for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes or use spicy diced tomatoes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner protein option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat easily for convenient meal prep.
