Classic Black Pepper Beef Macaroni
A comforting fusion favorite featuring tender beef strips and al dente macaroni tossed in a savory, peppery sauce with colorful bell peppers and melted cheese.
Black Pepper Beef Macaroni is a beloved home-style dish that perfectly blends Chinese-style stir-fry techniques with Western pasta. The key to this dish lies in the velvet texture of the beef, achieved by a quick marinade, and the bold, aromatic kick of freshly cracked black pepper. Finished with a slice of melting cheese, this meal offers a rich, creamy, and savory experience that is satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 200 g beef, thinly sliced
- 200 g macaroni
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 slice processed cheese
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce, optional
- to taste salt
- optional dried parsley
Instructions
- 1Marinate the beef

Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl. Add black pepper, light soy sauce, a little sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well by hand, then add a touch of cooking oil and mix again to lock in the moisture. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Tip: Adding a bit of oil after the initial seasonings helps keep the beef tender during stir-frying. - 2Boil the macaroni

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 10 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain the water and set the macaroni aside.
Tip: Drain the macaroni well after boiling so it doesnt dilute the sauce later. - 3Sauté the onions

Heat a frying pan and add the sliced purple onions. Sauté over medium heat until they are fragrant and softened.
Tip: Keep the heat moderate to ensure the onions become aromatic without burning. - 4Stir-fry the beef

Add the marinated beef into the pan with the sautéed onions. Stir-fry quickly over high heat, ensuring the beef is cooked through but remains tender. Be careful not to overcook it.
Tip: High heat is essential for a quick stir-fry to keep the beef succulent. - 5Combine ingredients

Add the previously boiled and drained macaroni into the pan with the stir-fried beef and onions. Toss everything together to combine.
Tip: Ensure the heat is well-distributed so the macaroni absorbs the flavors from the pan. - 6Season the dish

Season the mixture with oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a darker color, you can add a little dark soy sauce. Add the sliced green bell pepper, then top with a slice of cheese and a final sprinkle of black pepper. Stir briefly until the cheese melts, then remove from heat.
Tip: Adjust the dark soy sauce gradually to reach your desired color intensity. - 7Add bell pepper

Toss the sliced green bell pepper into the pan with the beef and macaroni mixture. Stir briefly to combine all the ingredients while maintaining high heat.
Tip: Keep the bell peppers slightly crisp by only cooking them for a short time at the end. - 8Add cheese and seasoning

Place a slice of cheese on top of the macaroni mixture in the pan and sprinkle generously with black pepper powder. This will add a creamy texture and extra spice.
Tip: Use a processed cheese slice that melts easily for the best texture. - 9Melt the cheese

Gently stir the macaroni mixture to incorporate the cheese as it melts into the sauce. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and the dish is heated through.
Tip: Stir continuously so the cheese doesnt stick to the bottom of the pan.