Description

Looking for a quick and comforting meal without the hassle of using an oven? This stovetop macaroni with cheese and ground beef is exactly what you need! Combining the heartiness of ground beef, the richness of a homemade tomato sauce, and the irresistible gooeyness of melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to adjust the flavors or add your favorite extras like fresh herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Oregano to taste
• 500ml hot water
• Olive oil
• 500g macaroni
• 200ml tomato sauce
• 400g ground beef
• Paprika to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes to taste
• 200g shredded mozzarella cheese

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1

  

  Prepare the tomatoes: Start by cutting the tomatoes in half and set them aside.

• Step 2

  

  Blend the ingredients: In a blender, add the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.

• Step 3

  

  Cook the sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Pour in the blended tomato mixture, add oregano, and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes.

• Step 4

  

  Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring 500ml of water to a boil. Add a dash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente.

• Step 5

  

  Sauté onions and garlic: In another skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and golden.

• Step 6

  

  Add the ground beef: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until fully browned.

• Step 7

  

  Season the beef: Season the beef with salt, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

• Step 8

  

  Combine with the sauce: Once the beef is almost done, pour the tomato sauce you prepared earlier into the skillet. Mix well and let it cook for another few minutes.

• Step 9

  

  Drain the pasta: Once the macaroni is done, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

• Step 10

  

  Mix pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all the pasta with the sauce.

• Step 11

  

  Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Stir gently to allow the cheese to melt and blend into the dish.

• Step 12

  

  Check the seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or oregano.

• Step 13

  

  Melt the cheese: If desired, let the dish sit on low heat for a few minutes to fully melt the cheese.

• Step 14

  

  Serve: Serve the dish hot, optionally garnished with an extra sprinkle of oregano or chili flakes for an added kick.

• Step 15

  

  Bonus Tip: To add an extra crispy texture, you can broil the dish for a couple of minutes to get a golden cheese crust, or sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for added crunch.

• Step 16

  

  Enjoy: Your cheesy, beefy macaroni is ready to be devoured!

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. These simple additions will elevate the dish and add a delightful crunch and richness.

This no-oven-required macaroni with cheese and ground beef is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With only a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a hearty, delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone. The combination of flavorful beef, homemade tomato sauce, and gooey cheese makes it both filling and satisfying. Best of all, it’s easily customizable, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the spices to make it your own. Whether for a family meal or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!