Italian Ground Beef and Macaroni

Hearty, comforting, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this Italian Ground Beef and Macaroni recipe combines tender elbow pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce that's seasoned to perfection. Ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic create a savory base, while a blend of oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth and a gentle kick. Simmered with crushed tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste, the sauce clings to each bite of al dente macaroni. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley, this one-pan wonder is ready in just 45 minutes and is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Easy, budget-friendly, and irresistibly satisfying, this dish will become a family favorite in no time.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 units garlic cloves
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until combined.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it into the pasta.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2018.1 grams (2018.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2542

Total Fat 128.70g	165%
Saturated Fat 45.60g	228%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 366mg	122%
Sodium 3085mg	134%
Total Carbohydrate 223.50g	81%
Dietary Fiber 22.60g	81%
Total Sugars 43.90g
Protein 132.70g	265%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 733mg	56%
Iron 22mg	123%
Potassium 3496mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.8%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 34.6%