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–+ servings
ground beef macaroni pasta.

Ground Beef Pasta

This ground beef pasta is a hearty, one-pan meal with a rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef. A comforting dinner the whole family will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 8 servings
Calories 276 kcal

Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown onion, diced finely
  • 1 pound lean ground beef, or turkey/chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, I used petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried herbs
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika, regular or smoked
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
    1 cup brown onion, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 cup bell pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant.
    1 tablespoon tomato paste, 4 teaspoons garlic
  • Combine liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
    1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Season: Mix in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, and bay leaves.
    1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried herbs, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon paprika, Salt and black pepper to taste, 2 bay leaves
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and let it simmer for 15-25 minutes until the pasta is tender.
    2 cups elbow macaroni
  • Serve: Remove bay leaves, serve immediately, and optionally top with grated cheese.

Notes

  • To Store. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • To Make Ahead. Prepare up to the point of adding the pasta, then store. Add pasta and simmer when ready to serve.
  • To Reheat. Warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 19gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 633mgPotassium: 778mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1193IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 4mg
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