Description
A comforting, cheesy, and hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb ground beef
Pasta
- 2 cups dried elbow macaroni
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, forming the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to build a rich, savory tomato flavor.
- Mix in Pasta: Add the dried elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, turning the dish into a luscious, cheesy meal ready to serve.
Notes
- Brown Beef Well: Proper browning adds deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: Control saltiness and prevent oversalting.
- Stir Often: Prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-packaged.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Add extra broth if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg