Description
This nostalgic one-pot meal features tender ground beef, bell peppers, and elbow macaroni in a seasoned tomato broth—all ready in under 30 minutes. A hearty, budget-friendly comfort food perfect for any home cook.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add paprika, oregano, and basil; stir and cook for 30 seconds to bloom spices.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with juice; stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni; stir, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat; stir in shredded cheddar cheese until creamy.
- Serve in bowls or dish; sprinkle extra cheese on top and let sit 2–3 minutes to melt before serving.
Notes
If pasta is undercooked and liquid is gone, add 1/4 cup hot water and continue cooking. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of sugar or butter if sauce is too tangy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Let rest before serving for thicker sauce. Customize with additional veggies or spices as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg