Macaroni Beef
A hearty, flavorful macaroni and beef dish with tomato juice and seasonings, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute beef, macaroni, onion, green pepper, and garlic powder in oil or water until macaroni turns slightly yellow.
- Drain off fat. Add tomato juice and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for several more minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of lean ground beef and turkey. You can substitute the green pepper with diced zucchini or carrots if preferred. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This dish can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Macaroni Beef hot, topped with grated cheese for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup like Beefy Tomato Rice Soup. This dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Beef contains roughly 1166 calories, with 24g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Macaroni Beef ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe and store it in the fridge once cooled. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It also makes for great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a mix of tomato paste and water. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the taste balance in the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to complement your chosen ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).