Zesty Tomato Mac And Beef
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef and pasta in a zesty tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with green onions and sour cream. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines bold flavors with hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes and water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the dried elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or spices like cumin and paprika. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. Using whole wheat elbow macaroni boosts the dish's fiber content. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in cream cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with sour cream and fresh sliced green onions on top. For a fun twist, try serving it with a dollop of salsa. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Tomato Mac And Beef contains roughly 601 calories, with 24g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes should work. Just dice them and add them along with the water. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the seasoning, as canned tomatoes often have added flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, try using diced tomatoes with extra chilies or add jalapeños during cooking. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to elevate the spice level to your liking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor, and you can still enjoy the cheesy goodness with dairy-free cheese options.
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).