Tomato Beef Macaroni
Broccoli

A comforting, easy-to-make classic. This vibrant macaroni dish features tender beef and broccoli tossed in a savory, rich tomato sauce with a hint of cheese.

Ingredients

• 200 g macaroni pasta
• 150 g ground beef
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 100 g broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 50 g shredded cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. 1Boil the macaroni

   

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully add the dry macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

   Tip: Keep an eye on the water level to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.
2. 2Heat the wok

   

   Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Ensure the oil coats the surface of the pan, preparing it for the beef.

   Tip: Using a well-seasoned wok helps prevent sticking during the stir-fry process.
3. 3Stir-fry the beef

   

   Add the diced beef into the heated wok. Use a metal spatula to stir-fry the meat continuously until the moisture has cooked out and the beef begins to brown.

   Tip: Keep the heat high to ensure the beef browns quickly rather than steaming in its own juices.
4. 4Add tomatoes

   

   Once the beef is browned, add the freshly diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir them into the beef to begin creating the base of the sauce.

   Tip: Make sure your tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor and juiciness.
5. 5Season the sauce

   

   Sprinkle sea salt over the simmering tomato and beef mixture. This helps the tomatoes break down and release their juices more effectively.

   Tip: Adding salt at this stage helps develop the depth of the tomato sauce.
6. 6Add tomato paste

   

   Stir in the tomato paste to the meat and tomato mixture. Cook for a minute to toast the paste, creating a rich, deep base for the sauce.

   Tip: Tomato paste adds a concentrated umami flavor that rounds out the sauce.
7. 7Season the sauce

   

   Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the bubbling tomato and beef sauce. This enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce before combining it with the pasta.

   Tip: Freshly ground pepper provides a much more aromatic and vibrant kick than pre-ground.
8. 8Blanch the broccoli

   

   Add fresh broccoli florets into the pot with the boiling macaroni. Allow them to cook for about two minutes until they are tender-crisp and vibrant green.

   Tip: Do not overcook the broccoli; it should maintain a bright color and slight crunch.
9. 9Drain the pasta and broccoli

   

   Once the macaroni and broccoli are cooked to your preference, use a wire skimmer to carefully lift them out of the boiling water. This method allows you to transfer them directly to the sauce while retaining a little pasta water.

   Tip: Keeping a little bit of the starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the macaroni.
10. 10Combine with sauce

    

    Add the drained macaroni and cooked broccoli florets directly into the wok containing the simmering meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich tomato mixture.

    Tip: Gently fold the ingredients to ensure the broccoli florets stay intact.
11. 11Add cheese

    

    Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy, cohesive dish.

    Tip: Use a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or a mild cheddar, for the best consistency.
12. 12Simmer and coat

    

    Allow the mixture to simmer for one more minute over low heat so the pasta absorbs the flavors of the rich tomato and beef sauce.

    Tip: If the sauce is too thick add a small splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
13. 13Garnish the pasta

    

    Transfer the finished macaroni to a serving bowl. Sprinkle a generous amount of dried herb flakes over the top for added aroma and color.

    Tip: Use fresh parsley if available for a brighter, more vibrant garnish.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions