Description

Beef and Macaroni is a pasta dish made with seasoned ground beef and macaroni pasta cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce that’s made with simple ingredients. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy, budget friendly, and will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (24 ounce) jar meatless pasta sauce
2 cups beef broth
½ tablespoon soy sauce
12 ounces elbow macaroni
Shredded cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step: Heat the oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Step: Brown the beef for 2-3 minutes, stir, then brown for another 1-3 minutes.
Step: Lower the heat to medium, add the onions, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step: Add the garlic and tomato paste; cook and stir for 1 minute.
Step: Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and soy sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Step: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Step: Add the macaroni, increase heat to bring back to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender.
Step: Taste and add additional salt if desired.
Step: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving with optional shredded cheese.

Notes

If you do not have elbow macaroni, substitute another small pasta shape like cavatappi, rigatoni, penne, or ziti. Eliminate crushed red pepper for a milder dish or use paprika instead of chili powder. You may use reduced-sodium broth and sauces if preferred. Lean ground turkey can be used in place of beef with chicken broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 515 kcal
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 1311 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 54 mg

Keywords: beef and macaroni, pasta, one-pot meal, ground beef, easy dinner