Macaroni and Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Macaroni: While the beef sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
5. Combine Beef and Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef sauce. Stir gently to coat the macaroni evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Macaroni and Beef hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish with your loved ones.