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One-Pot Ground Beef & Macaroni

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  • Author: Chelsea Catalan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A hearty, easy-to-make beef and macaroni dish cooked in one pot for a fast, flavorful dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add the Cheese & Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

For extra flavor, let the sauce simmer a few minutes before adding the pasta.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: ~450
  • Sugar: ~6g
  • Sodium: ~850mg
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~5g
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Cholesterol: ~55mg