Description
The ultimate cozy, cheesy one-pot dinner with beef, macaroni, and melty cheddar—perfect for busy weeknights and nostalgic comfort cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 ounces (about 1½ cups) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they start to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles, and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is coated and fragrant, 1–2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves. Stir in elbow macaroni, cover again, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10–15 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy all the cozy vibes!
Notes
Add extra broth if your sauce gets too thick. Use ground turkey for a lighter version. Make ahead and add cheese just before serving for best meltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg