A hearty, simple, and timeless dish made the traditional way—rich tomato flavor, tender macaroni, and savory beef. Perfect for a cozy homemade meal 🏡✨
🛒 Ingredients (Simple & Traditional)
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 🫑 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 🍅 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 🍅 1 cup tomato sauce
- 🍝 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 🥄 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1 tsp paprika
- 🛢️ 1 tbsp oil
- 💧 2 cups water or broth
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Old-Style Method
👉 Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot 🍲
- Add ground beef → cook until browned
- Break it into small pieces
👉 Step 2: Add Aromatics
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper 🧅🫑
- Cook until soft and fragrant
👉 Step 3: Build the Base
- Stir in tomato paste 🍅
- Add diced tomatoes + tomato sauce
- Mix well and simmer 5 minutes
👉 Step 4: Season
- Add salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika 🌿
- Pour in water or broth 💧
- Bring to a gentle boil
👉 Step 5: Add Pasta
- Add elbow macaroni 🍝
- Cook uncovered until pasta is tender
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
👉 Step 6: Final Simmer
- Let it simmer until thick and rich
- Taste and adjust seasoning
🍽️ Serving Style
- Serve hot in a bowl 🍲
- Optional: sprinkle cheese on top 🧀
- Pair with fresh bread 🍞
💡 Old-Fashioned Tips
- ✔️ Slow simmer = deeper flavor
- ✔️ Use simple pantry ingredients
- ✔️ Tastes even better the next day 😍
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make it without bell peppers?
👉 Yes, it’s optional—still delicious!
Q: Can I store leftovers?
👉 Keep in fridge up to 3 days ❄️
Q: Can I freeze it?
👉 Yes! Freeze without pasta for best texture