Description

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Southern-Style Beef & Macaroni to bring comfort to your kitchen table. This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender ground beef, soft macaroni, and a rich, seasoned tomato sauce that’s simmered to perfection. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you’re craving something homemade, simple, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by classic Southern cooking, this recipe captures that homey taste of tradition, blending familiar ingredients into a dish that feels like pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Season the beef mixture with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Let simmer together for 5 minutes.
For a cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the sauce simmer longer before adding the pasta—it helps the seasonings deepen. You can substitute lean ground beef for a lighter version or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes