Western Macaroni

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this hearty and flavorful Western Macaroni recipe, a perfect blend of tender elbow pasta, savory ground beef, and a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables. This one-pot wonder features a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like oregano, basil, and paprika, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh parsley, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing favorite, Western Macaroni delivers bold flavors and comforting vibes in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g elbow macaroni
• 500 g ground beef
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 medium, diced (any color) bell pepper
• 1 medium, grated carrot
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 tsp (or to taste) black pepper
• 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish) parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it into the vegetables and beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 9

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Reserve the other half for topping.

Step 10

Serve the Western Macaroni hot, garnished with the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1991.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3277.4

Total Fat 157.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 447.8mg	0%
Sodium 4632.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 301.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.2g	0%
Total Sugars 39.1g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 729.5mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 3597.9mg	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: 43.3%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 36.8%