Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring elbow macaroni, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 rib celery, diced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente (about a minute less than package instructions). Drain and rinse briefly under warm water, then set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef with baking soda, 1 tsp kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns.
- Add veggies: Push the beef to one side and add 2 tbsp of oil. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Flavor boost: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste, stirring for about 4 minutes until it darkens.
- Simmer the sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, followed by the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 18 minutes until thickened.
- Combine: Taste and adjust salt. Stir in the cooked macaroni. If dry, splash in additional broth or water. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Let your ingredients come to room temperature for even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: American Chop Suey, Comfort Food, Pasta Dish, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal
