Description
A quick and comforting one-pan pasta dish that recreates the nostalgic flavors of the classic boxed meal with fresh ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a creamy, hearty, and deeply flavorful experience in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups beef broth (halal)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Use a halal beef broth to ensure dietary compliance. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American