Recipe from Portugal! Making a family classic, Portuguese Beef Macaroni Recipe that’s easy to make any night of the week for dinner. It’s not gluten-free or low-carb but full of flavor and so quick and easy to make for a Sunday dinner.
When mom is in town, we cook what mom would make on a Sunday and some of my fathers favorite. This one has a special memory.
It was my dad’s favorite and one that he loved no matter how sick he was from cancer, he always finished his plate.
I always laughed when I think of how much my father loved this Macaroni Recipe.
Step by Step – Portuguese Beef Macaroni Recipe
You don’t need tools to make this dish but 2 pots to cook and a wooden spoon. I prefer wooden spoon when cooking on a pan just because it doesn’t scratch up pots and is not so noisy when cooking in the kitchen,
2. Once they are golden brown remove from the pan into a bowl and set a side.
4. Once it is all done cooking which should take about 10 minutes, drain the fat from the pan.
6. Add your macaroni to a pot of water at this time and cook to the directions of the box.
7. Once macaroni is cooked, drain and place in the meat sauce, mix and set on a low heat for 5 minutes.
8. Place on a plate and sprinkle your favorite cheese on top.
Variations
I sometimes will add peas or cooked broccoli to the mix. I will pre-cook the vegetables and drain before I add it to the mix.
Ways to Serve
When serving this dish, I will make a salad as a side or just serve cooked broccoli. I tend to always add grated cheese to sprinkle on top.
Tip
Try not to over cook the macaroni for this dish because it will continue to cook with the meat sauce. I take it out when it is cooked to be firm to the bite, which is al dente as the Italians would say!
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Portuguese Beef Macaroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef ground
- 1 macaroni, box
- 1 Marinara sauce, jar
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup of olive oil
Instructions
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You don't need tools to make this dish but 2 pots to cook and a wooden spoon. I prefer a wooden spoon when cooking on a pan just because it doesn't scratch up pots and is not so noisy when cooking in the kitchen.
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Chop the onions into small size bites. Place a little olive oil in the pan and saute the onions.
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Once they are golden brown remove from the pan into a bow.
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Add the ground beef in the pan and break it up with the spoon as it cooks. Once it is all done cooking which should take about 10 minutes, drain the fat from the pan.
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Add the bay leaves, tomato sauce and onions to the pan and mix, cook on low for about 20 minutes while mixing every 5 minutes.
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Add your macaroni to a pot of water at this time and cook to the directions of the box.
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Once macaroni is cooked, drain and place in the meat sauce, mix and set on a low heat for 5 minutes.
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Place on a plate and sprinkle your favorite cheese on top. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Try not to over cook the macaroni for this dish because it will continue to cook with the meat sauce. I take it out when it is cooked to be firm to the bite, which is al dente as the Italians would say!
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