Macarona Bil Lahme (One Pot Pasta)

Macarona Bil Lahme is the Arab twist on an Italian dish. This one pot meal will be your savior during busy weeknights and on the days you don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. The Arab spices provide a delicious type of flavor different to the typical Italian seasonings and flavorings.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (cavatappi, or fusilli pasta)
• ½ pound 80% Lean ground beef
• 2½ cups tomato sauce (about 1.5 15oz cans)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups hot water
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1½ teaspoons 7 spices
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1To start, heat up the olive oil on medium high heat.
2. 2Once hot, add in the finely chopped onions and finely chopped bell peppers. Saute for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
3. 3Add in the finely minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden in color.
4. 4Now, add in the ground beef. Break up the beef into small chunks and mix with with the onions, garlic and bell peppers.
5. 5Once the beef is about 75-80% browned and cooked through, add in the seasonings. Mix well to combine.
6. 6Add in the tomato paste and mix it with the beef until well incorporated.
7. 7Add in the tomato sauce and the hot water. Mix everything well.
8. 8Toss in the raw and uncooked pasta noodles. Mix it in well and make sure it's covered.
9. 9Cover the pot and let it cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes so it doesn't stick or burn.
10. 10Once cooked, remove from heat and it let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to cook in it's own steam.
11. 11Serve with cheese and enjoy.