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Comforting Beefy Macaroni Pasta

This Comforting Beefy Macaroni Pasta is a hearty, cheesy weeknight favorite packed with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes.
  • Add the cooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with the beefy tomato sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
  • Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
  • Once heated through and cheese melted, serve your Comforting Beefy Macaroni Pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese Grater

Notes

  • You can swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
  • Replace cheeses with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • Leftovers freeze well; thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.