Savory Beef and Macaroni Bake
Savor the rich flavors of our Savory Beef and Macaroni Bake, a comforting dish that surpasses any canned or frozen meals you've tried. This homemade creation combines lean ground beef with a wholesome mix of tomatoes, onions, and elbow macaroni, simulating a deliciously cheesy texture without the guilt. Ideal for families or meal prepping, this recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for freezing into individual portions for convenient lunches or dinners later on. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier option on the second day. You can easily halve the recipe if you're cooking for a smaller crowd, but trust us—everyone will want seconds!
N/A
Servings
270
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1.5 lbs (ground)
medium onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and finely chopped (or pressed))
whole tomatoes
2 (28 ounce cans) (whirled in blender until chunky)
chicken broth
1 (14 ounce can) (none)
kosher salt
1.75 teaspoons (none (reduce if using table salt))
chili powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
elbow macaroni
1.75 cups (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven pot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2
Drain off any grease once the meat is cooked through.
3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir in the kosher salt and chili powder (if using).
4
Pour in the blended whole tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
6
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and continue to cook for an additional 12 minutes or until the pasta achieves an al dente texture.
7
Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to prevent the macaroni from becoming overly soft.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
18g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Macaroni Bake?
It is a comforting homemade dish that combines lean ground beef with a wholesome mix of tomatoes, onions, and elbow macaroni.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
Each serving contains 270 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping because it makes a generous amount and the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Can I freeze Savory Beef and Macaroni Bake?
Yes, it is freezer-friendly and can be frozen into individual portions for convenient lunches or dinners.
How much lean ground beef is required?
You will need 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.75 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the pot?
No, the elbow macaroni should be added to the pot uncooked.
How long does the macaroni take to cook in the sauce?
The macaroni takes about 12 minutes to achieve an al dente texture.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe if you are cooking for a smaller crowd.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
You should whirl two 28-ounce cans of whole tomatoes in a blender until they are chunky.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 18g of protein per serving.
Is the chili powder mandatory?
No, the one teaspoon of chili powder is optional.
What should I do with the grease after browning the beef?
You should drain off any grease once the meat is cooked through.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires two garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or pressed.
What kind of broth is used?
One 14-ounce can of chicken broth is used in the mixture.
How long should the tomato and beef mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Why should I let the dish sit after turning off the heat?
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes prevents the macaroni from becoming overly soft.
How much fat is in one serving?
The dish contains 6.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
Is there a lot of sugar in this dish?
No, there is only 1g of sugar per serving.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe suggests using one medium onion, peeled and chopped.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, but you should reduce the amount if you are using table salt instead of the 1.75 teaspoons of kosher salt.
What equipment is recommended for cooking the beef?
A large Dutch oven pot is recommended for browning the beef.
What texture should the pasta be when finished?
The pasta should have an al dente texture.
Is this recipe considered low cholesterol?
Yes, it is tagged as a low cholesterol meal option.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
The recipe simulates a cheesy texture without using actual cheese, making it lighter than traditional bakes.
How should I break apart the beef while cooking?
Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks over medium heat.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include beef, macaroni, homemade, meal prep, and comfort food.
Is this dish better than store-bought versions?
Yes, this homemade creation is designed to surpass any canned or frozen meals you've tried.