Macaroni With Meat Sauce
Hearty macaroni with a rich meat sauce featuring tomatoes, green peppers, and mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. fat or salad oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- few drops Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 or 4 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 8 oz. pkg. macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat fat in a 10-inch skillet.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is soft, not brown.
- Add ground beef; break into small pieces and cook until lightly browned.
- Add diced celery, diced green pepper, salt, and celery salt.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add mushrooms; heat to boiling.
- Arrange cooked macaroni on a platter.
- Pour the meat sauce over the macaroni.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition, similar to what you'd find in Layered Beef Vegetable Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top enhances the flavor. This macaroni with meat sauce pairs beautifully with American recipes that include fresh vegetables or a light dessert like fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni With Meat Sauce contains roughly 607 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2195mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils, beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices or sauces to compensate for the absence of meat.
Can I freeze the meat sauce?
Yes, the meat sauce freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
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).