Cheesy Beef and Macaroni with Thyme

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Cheesy Beef and Macaroni with Thyme, a one-pot wonder that brings together hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of savory flavors. This quick and easy recipe combines fragrant dried thyme, smoky paprika, and a rich tomato-beef broth base, all topped with a generous layer of melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this crowd-pleaser is ready in just 45 minutes from prep to plate and serves four hearty portions. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, each bite is loaded with creamy, cheesy satisfaction and a comforting herby kick. A must-try for fans of cheesy pasta dishes and cozy family meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Remove from heat and give everything a quick stir to distribute the cheese evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1946.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3084.5

Total Fat 183.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 85.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 569.3mg	0%
Sodium 5251.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 193.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 25.8g
Protein 172.2g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 1850.7mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 2693.5mg	0%

*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: 53.1%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 24.8%