🥘 Beef Macaroni
Beef macaroni is a comforting, hearty dish made with ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a classic weeknight meal that’s easy to make and family-friendly.
📝 Beef Macaroni Recipe (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Beef
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3️⃣ Make Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4️⃣ Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the beef sauce. Mix until well coated.
- Sprinkle in ½ cup cheese and stir until melted.
5️⃣ Bake (Optional)
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
🔥 Tips
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well for next-day lunches.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil before serving for a fresh touch.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- With garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Side of steamed vegetables or a green salad
- Topped with grated Parmesan or extra cheddar cheese
I can also provide a creamy beef macaroni version with a cheesy white sauce for a richer, stovetop-only version if you want.
