Description
This hearty, easy comfort food is made with ground beef and sausage, tender elbow macaroni, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes, simmered in marinara sauce for layers of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a big batch perfect for potlucks, picnics, game days, or planned leftovers. A classic family favorite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (~85 to 95% lean)
- 1 pound ground sausage (or another ground protein)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or another small pasta)
- 1 small white or yellow onion, diced small
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and diced small
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 24 ounces marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth (reduced sodium)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (reduced sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or as desired)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or as desired)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Cook Proteins:
In a large deep-sided pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling as it cooks. Drain any fat if desired, but it’s not necessary as the fat helps prevent the pasta from sticking. - Cook Pasta:
While the proteins cook, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook Vegetables:
To the browned proteins, add the onions and green peppers. Cook for 3–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir frequently. - Add Garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. - Add Sauces and Seasonings:
Add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. - Garnish and Serve:
Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg