Creamy Mac and Beef

Ingredients

• 8 oz jumbo macaroni
• 1 kg minced beef
• 1 red onion (Finely chopped)
• 5.5 garlic cloves (Finely chopped; source states 5–6 cloves)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (Listed as a second garlic powder quantity in the source)
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup mixed bell pepper
• 1 cup carrots (Diced and boiled)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 5.5 tbsp unsweetened heavy whipping cream (Source states 5–6 tablespoons)
• 1 bouillon cube (Chicken or beef)
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (Reserved before draining the macaroni)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
• fresh parsley (For garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the jumbo macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the macaroni.

2. 2

   Place a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and cook until translucent.

3. 3

   Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

4. 4

   Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. 5

   Stir in the tomato paste, salt, garlic powder, red chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, the second listed quantity of garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

6. 6

   Continue cooking until the beef is cooked through.

7. 7

   Add the mixed bell pepper and the diced, boiled carrots. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in the soy sauce and unsweetened heavy whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

9. 9

   Add the reserved pasta water and bouillon cube. Stir until the bouillon cube has dissolved.

10. 10

    Add the cooked macaroni to the beef mixture and toss to combine.

11. 11

    Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until incorporated.

12. 12

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

The source lists garlic powder twice: 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon; both quantities have been preserved. The source does not specify an exact cooking time for browning the beef or a precise amount of salt.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• beef
• comfort food
• stovetop
• creamy
• cheesy
• family-style