Hearty Homestyle Beef Macaroni Stew
This cozy and comforting Beef Macaroni Stew is a homestyle delight perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. A delicious medley of sautéed onions, bell pepper, and garlic complements the juicy ground beef, enriched with tomato goodness and a hint of sweetness from the ketchup. Combined with the tender elbow macaroni, this stew offers a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
3 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
hamburger
1 lb (none)
tomatoes with juice
1 quart (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ketchup
1 cup (none)
elbow macaroni
5 cups (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and green pepper, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it into smaller pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Fold in the cooked and drained elbow macaroni, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce.
7
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homestyle Beef Macaroni Stew?
It is a cozy, comforting meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, bell peppers, and a savory tomato-based sauce with a hint of sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What kind of meat is required for this stew?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of hamburger (ground beef).
How long does it take to sauté the onions and green peppers?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
How long do I need to brown the ground beef?
Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat while breaking it into smaller pieces.
Should I drain the tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should add the 1 quart of tomatoes along with their juices.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The stew is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
What role does ketchup play in the recipe?
Ketchup adds a hint of sweetness and enriches the tomato base of the sauce.
How long should the mixture simmer before adding the pasta?
Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How much macaroni is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cups of cooked and drained elbow macaroni.
When do I add the macaroni?
Fold in the cooked macaroni after the meat and tomato mixture has simmered for 10 minutes.
How long do I simmer the stew after adding the macaroni?
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for cooking this stew.
Is this a quick recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a quick recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
Yes, you can use red or yellow bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, with its familiar ingredients like beef and macaroni, it is a family-friendly meal.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic and sauté them with the onions.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
At the end of cooking, taste the stew and add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger.
What can I serve with Beef Macaroni Stew?
It pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or garlic knots.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food and a hearty meal.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of ketchup.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this stew often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have developed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the macaroni may become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating.
What size of onion is needed?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells or rotini as substitutes.
What is the total cooking time approximately?
Between prep, browning, and simmering, the total active cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.