# Old-Fashioned Macaroni

> A classic one-pot comfort meal with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. Simple, hearty, and satisfying.

**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 25–30 minutes
**Servings:** 6–8
**Storage:** Refrigerates 4 days

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## Ingredients

- 1½ lbs extra lean ground beef (no fat)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes with juice
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup water

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## Shopping List

### 🥩 Meat & Poultry
- [ ] 1½ lbs extra lean ground beef

### 🥬 Produce
- [ ] 1 medium onion (need 1 cup chopped)

### 🥫 Canned Goods
- [ ] 28 oz crushed tomatoes with juice
- [ ] 8 oz tomato sauce

### 🧂 Pantry & Dry Goods
- [ ] 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- [ ] Salt (need 1½ tsp)
- [ ] Ground black pepper (need ½ tsp)

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## Instructions

1. **Brown the meat.** In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. **Add onions.** Add the chopped onion to the browned beef and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. **Add tomatoes and seasoning.** Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Add 1 cup of water and stir to combine.

4. **Bring to a boil.** Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

5. **Add macaroni.** Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low.

6. **Simmer until tender.** Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add a splash more water if needed.

7. **Rest and serve.** Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

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## Serving Ideas

- Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pair with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Serve alongside crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

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## Notes

- Extra lean beef keeps this dish from being greasy
- This is a complete one-pot meal—no need to cook the pasta separately
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave with a splash of water
- Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter version