Easy, Healthy Mac and Beef
A comforting blend of pasta and lean ground beef, incorporating nutritious ingredients for a wholesome weeknight dinner option that caters to the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz whole grain elbow macaroni Can substitute with gluten-free pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean) Can substitute with lentils or plant-based protein
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Dairy-free options can be used
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Optional for additional flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Rinse and chop the vegetables—dice the onion and bell pepper, and set aside. If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and chop it coarsely.
Cooking Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping a little of the pasta water.
Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Place the lean ground beef in the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté Vegetables
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Broth and Spinach
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until well combined. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and mix until melted.
Final Seasoning
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Optional: add Italian seasoning.
Serve
- Spoon Easy, Healthy Mac and Beef into bowls or onto plates and enjoy warm.
Notes
For best results, consider tasting as you cook to adjust flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat with added moisture to maintain texture.