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asy one-pot Italian pasta dinner with sausage, shells, and herbs

The Best Italian-Style Mac n' Beef

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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.
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Author Spoonful of Green

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

Creamy stovetop pasta with sausage and cheese in a rich tomato sauce
  • 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.