Ingredients and Weight:
- Elbow Macaroni: 300g (cooked weight will vary)
- Ground Beef: 500g
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Water or Chicken Stock: 2 cups
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, boil water or chicken stock. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender.
- While the macaroni is cooking, in a separate pan, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the ground beef mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, according to taste.
- Transfer the dish to a serving bowl or individual plates and serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approx. 500 calories per serving (based on the ingredients provided)
- Carbohydrates: Macaroni and cheese provide carbs for energy.
- Protein: Ground beef is a good source of protein.
- Fat: Cheddar cheese adds fat to the dish.
Dish Characteristics:
- Comfort food: This dish is a classic American comfort food that is filling and satisfying.
- Kids-friendly: The combination of macaroni and ground beef is a favorite among children.
- Easy to customize: You can add other vegetables or spices to customize the flavor.
User Comments:
- "This dish reminded me of home. It's delicious!" - John Doe
- "The macaroni was cooked to perfection, and the ground beef was flavorful." - Jane Smith
- "I added some mushrooms and olives for extra flavor. It was great!" - Sarah Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente (not too soft) to maintain its texture and avoid getting mushy.
- Brown the ground beef well to enhance its flavor and remove any excess moisture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
