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5.0 from 12 votes

Macarona

Comforting saucy macarona is a Middle Eastern style pasta with a spiced ground beef mixture. So delicious!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 372 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • big pinch of salt
  • 3 heaped tbsp tomato paste, divided 2 oz or 70 g
  • 1 pack elbow macaroni 14 oz or 400 g (you might not use it all, see notes)
  • 1 onion, very finely diced
  • 1 zucchini, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 250 g ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon seven spices
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5oz (400g)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the salt, one tablespoon of tomato paste, then the pack of pasta. Cook until al dente, then drain the pasta, reserving the pasta water. Set cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the diced zucchini and carrots, and garlic and cook for a further 4-5 minutes until softened slightly.
  3. Add the ground beef, and cook, smushing with a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, then optionally, drain the fat.
  4. Add in the salt, pepper, and all the spices. Cook for another minute or so. Add the remaining 2 tablespoon of tomato paste, and stir.
  5. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add a big ladleful of the reserved pasta water and simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
  6. Add the pasta to the sauce (I don't always add all the pasta, maybe 3/4 of the cooked amount until the finished dish is as saucy as I like). Stir to coat, cook for another minute or so until the pasta is warmed through, then enjoy!

Notes

  • You can omit the zucchini and carrot if you like.
  • Use the pasta shape of your choice, elbow macaroni is commonly used. I usually cook the whole package, but might not add all of it to the saucy depending how saucy I want it. My kids love eating plain pasta so they don't mind eating the extra plain pasta!
  • Recipe adapted from Jedir 3waish.

Nutrition Information

Calories 372kcal (19%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 372

% Daily Value*

Calories 372kcal 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.