The Best Italian-Style Mac n’ Beef
The Best Italian-Style Mac n' Beef
Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that the whole family will love? This Italian spin on mac n' cheese is a delicious, 30-minute stovetop recipe packed with tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. This easy weeknight meal comes together with minimal prep and cleanup—perfect for busy nights! Whether you're craving cozy comfort food or a hearty pasta dinner, this creamy Italian skillet dish hits the spot.
Ingredients
- kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage any variety - sweet, mild or hot
- 2 shallots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces tomato puree
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- fresh parsley, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook throughout the remaining steps, so you will not want it to be overcooked. Drain well.
- Over medium- high heat, add the olive oil to a large stock-pot/ pasta pot.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, while breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned, approximately 8-10 min.
- Add in the garlic and shallots, and cooks for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with the tomato puree and stir in salt to taste.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add to pasta to the pan on top of the meat and tomato mixture
- Sprinkle the parmesan on top and mix well.
- Mix in the mascarpone and cook an additional 3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy. Finish with some freshly chopped parsley and extra parm!
Notes
- Any variety of Italian sausage can be used - mild, sweet, or hot. I have made this with all three and can't choose a favorite.
- If you cannot find ground sausage by the pound, just get the links and remove the casings.
- For a saucier mac, add more tomato puree...and make sure you keep the bottle, it makes a great flower vase for the table.
