Tomato and Macaroni Dinner

Elevate your weeknight meals with this comforting and hearty Tomato and Macaroni Dinner, a one-skillet wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and a touch of Italian seasoning, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes. Whether you opt for ground beef or a plant-based alternative, it’s a satisfying option perfect for the whole family. Topped with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a visually inviting and flavor-packed dinner idea. Customize it with chicken or vegetable broth to suit your taste and dietary needs—this versatile meal is sure to become a go-to favorite for your table. Keywords: Tomato and Macaroni Dinner, easy weeknight recipe, hearty pasta dish, quick dinner idea, one-skillet meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (optional, or substitute with plant-based ground meat)
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

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

Step 5

If using ground beef, add it to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well.

Step 7

Add dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1954.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2701.4

Total Fat 147.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 410.5mg	0%
Sodium 5519.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 29.4g
Protein 138.6g	0%

Vitamin D 55.6IU	0%
Calcium 899.5mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 2299.2mg	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: 49.5%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 29.8%