A quick, saucy, and flavorful pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, Ground Beef Macaroni Delight combines rich tomato flavors, savory beef, and al dente pasta for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. This dish not only comes together quickly but also makes great leftovers and can easily be adapted for different palates and dietary preferences. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers something everyone will love.
 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb macaroni (or any pasta)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 4 fresh tomatoes, diced)
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oil and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 stock cube (beef or chicken flavor)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
 Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, subtracting 2 minutes for al dente texture.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes:
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add ground beef directly to the skillet.
- Cook until no longer pink, breaking up chunks with a spoon or spatula.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, white pepper, paprika, and stock cube.
- Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
5. Add the Bell Peppers:
- Mix in chopped red and green bell peppers.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until peppers are tender.
6. Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat all the pasta in the rich, meaty sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
7. Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with optional grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
 Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
 Calories
- Calories per serving: Approximately 658 kcal
 Cooking Tips
1. Pasta Variations: Don’t have macaroni? Substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just ensure to cook until al dente for the best texture.
2. Protein Alternatives: Feel free to use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even tofu crumbles if you’re going for a vegetarian twist.
3. Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the umami notes.
4. Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach to sneak in some veggies.
5. Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water! It contains starch that helps emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta.
6. Cheese Lovers’ Tip: Top each serving with shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or Parmesan. You can even broil it for a bubbly, golden finish.
7. Spice It Up: Like heat? Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spicy kick.
8. Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half. It stores beautifully for up to 2 months.
9. Garnishing Options: Fresh parsley, basil, or even a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the final dish.
10. Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and revive the pasta.
 Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Best if consumed within 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth as needed.
 How to Prepare the Recipe (Step-by-Step Summary)
- Boil Pasta – Cook pasta in salted water, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Aromatics – Cook onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Build the Sauce – Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes; simmer to thicken.
- Cook Beef – Brown ground beef and season generously.
- Add Veggies – Stir in bell peppers and cook till softened.
- Combine – Mix cooked pasta and reserved water with the sauce.
- Serve – Garnish with cheese or herbs and enjoy hot.
 Conclusion
Ground Beef Macaroni Delight is a comfort-food classic that stands the test of time. It’s versatile, economical, and endlessly customizable. From weekday dinners to weekend indulgence, this hearty and satisfying dish brings together everything you love about pasta and beef in one quick and easy recipe. So grab your apron and get cooking—this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a regular in your home-cooked meal rotation!