Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 420 g (14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
- 2½ cups (625 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 250 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Spice Mix:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder (or garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook until onion is translucent.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
- Add Base Ingredients: Once beef is browned, stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, macaroni, and all spices.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Finish Dish: Turn off heat (leave pot on stove). Stir in half the cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños.
- Feel free to swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
