This quick macaroni with bacon, ground beef, and tomato paste is ready in just twenty minutes. With only a few ingredients, you create a flavorful meal that's perfect for holidays or busy days. The secret is sautéing the tomato paste until it caramelizes to remove its sour flavor and mixing it with crisp bacon and tender ground beef.
Serve the pasta firm and slightly chewy with fresh salad, cucumber slices, or sweet watermelon. It's hearty yet light, so you can enjoy the evening without feeling heavy.
Holiday Macaroni Ready in 15 Minutes
This recipe is a family treasure and my children's favorite meal. Whenever I ask my youngest what he wants for dinner, he always says "macaroni." On holidays, it has become a tradition to make this dish at least once.
I remember making it after a long drive on a hot day: while the pasta cooked, I fried bacon and onions, then added the beef and tomato paste. The caramelized tomato mixed with ground beef filled the kitchen with a rich aroma In no time we were sitting outside, enjoying a bowl of pasta with juicy watermelon on the side. This combination of speed, simplicity, and flavor makes this recipe special.
Tips for This Perfect Family Favorite Fast Pasta
- Stir your pasta-no oil is needed in the water; oil floats and doesn't stop the pasta from sticking. Stirring the water is enough.
- Sauté the tomato paste-fry the paste for one to two minutes so it caramelizes and sweetens.
- Let bacon season the dish-the saltiness of the meat usually means no extra salt is necessary.
- Cook pasta al dente-follow the package instructions to maintain a pleasant bite.
- Add fresh sides-serve with melon, cucumber, or a green salad for balance.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
- 4 oz. bacon bits
- 1¼ pound macaroni
- 1 onion, finely diced
- ⅔ pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- mixed green salad, with cucumber and/or melon and Parmesan to go ahead
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a frying pan and cook over low heat until it renders and starts to brown.4 oz. bacon bits
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil.
- Once the water boils, add the macaroni and cook according to the package (al dente).1¼ pound macaroni
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for three minutes.1 onion
- Add the ground beef to the bacon-onion mixture and cook until browned.⅔ pound ground beef
- Push the meat mixture to the sides of the pan and add the tomato paste to the center. Cook for two minutes to caramelize.4 tablespoons tomato paste
- Stir the tomato paste into the meat mixture and turn off the heat.
- Drain the macaroni and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Combine the macaroni with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve with a side salad, cucumber slices or watermelon, and Parmesan cheese.mixed green salad
Notes
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach or zucchini cubes with the meat for extra veggies.
- Cheesy bake: Transfer the macaroni to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until golden.
- Refrigerator: Leftover macaroni can be stored in the fridge for two days; reheat by stir-frying in a skillet in a dash of oil.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to three months and defrost overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition
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