Mama's Beef a Roni

Savor the comforting flavors of nostalgia with Mama's Beef a Roni, a hearty and satisfying one-pot pasta dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, this recipe combines ground beef, aromatics like garlic and onion, and a blend of savory Italian seasoning and paprika for a burst of bold flavor. Finished with a generous sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving up to six, Mama's Beef a Roni is an irresistible classic that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and soul-warming comfort. Perfect for lovers of quick comfort food recipes, pasta dishes, and easy weeknight meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

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

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. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

To the skillet, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the sauce is slightly thickened, gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the beefy tomato sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. You can cover the skillet to help the cheese melt faster.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2270.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3652.4

Total Fat 147.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 442.2mg	0%
Sodium 4426.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 401.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.5g	0%
Total Sugars 43.8g
Protein 179.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1125.2mg	0%
Iron 30.1mg	0%
Potassium 2522.8mg	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: 36.3%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 44.0%