Some meals feel like a warm hug after a long day, and French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni is just that. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, hearty flavors that make it a family favorite. With tender macaroni, savory beef mince, and a creamy cheese finish, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick yet satisfying meal.
Imagine a skillet bubbling with minced beef, sweet sautéed onions, and aromatic French onion seasoning, all tossed together with macaroni and melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare but tastes like it took hours. Ready to bring this delicious dish to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni
Here’s why this dish is a must-try:
- Simple to make: This one-pan meal is straightforward, making it perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights.
- Rich in flavor: The French onion soup mix adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables, swap proteins, or tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, savory combination.
- Budget-friendly: With simple ingredients, this meal is easy on the wallet without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients for French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting meal:
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| For the Pasta: | Macaroni | 150g |
| For the Mince Mixture: | Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Brown onion, diced | 1 | |
| Beef mince | 500g | |
| Carrots, peeled and diced | 2 | |
| French onion soup mix (sachet) | 40g | |
| Tomato sauce (ketchup) | 1/4 cup | |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | |
| For Garnishing: | Grated tasty cheese | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions for French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni
Let’s break this recipe down into easy, manageable steps:
1. Cook the Macaroni
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the mince mixture.
2. Sauté the Onion
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Onion: Add the diced brown onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Brown the Beef Mince
- Add the Beef: Toss the beef mince into the pan with the onion.
- Break it Apart: Use a wooden spoon to break the mince into smaller pieces. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
4. Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the Carrots: Add the diced carrots to the pan with the mince.
- Cook Until Softened: Let the carrots cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
5. Season with French Onion Soup Mix
- Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle the French onion soup mix evenly over the mince and carrots.
- Stir Thoroughly: Mix everything together to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
6. Add Tomato Sauce and Peas
- Incorporate the Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, followed by the frozen peas.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld.
7. Combine with Macaroni
- Mix the Pasta: Stir the cooked macaroni into the pan with the mince mixture.
- Coat Evenly: Use a large spoon to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated with the savory mince and vegetables.
8. Add Cheese and Serve
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated tasty cheese over the mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- Plate and Garnish: Remove the pan from the heat and serve hot. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni
- Choose quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, lean beef, and high-quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm macaroni holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Reheat gently: Leftovers can be reheated on low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
FAQ: French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute macaroni with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef mince with plant-based mince or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What can I substitute for French onion soup mix?
You can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder mixed with 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon granules as a substitute.
5. How do I make this dish healthier?
Use whole-grain pasta, lean beef, and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mince mixture ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it and stir in freshly cooked macaroni and cheese.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni combines rich, hearty flavors with simple ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The French onion seasoning adds depth, while the melted cheese and al dente macaroni make every bite comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers to enjoy the next day, this dish delivers on every front.
Ready to Cook?
Grab your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its rich flavors, cheesy finish, and simple steps, French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni is comfort food at its best. Cook it tonight and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
When you’re in need of a comforting, hearty dinner that’s easy to make, French Onion Savory Mince with Macaroni has your back. This dish combines tender macaroni, savory beef mince, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy finish, all infused with the rich flavor of French onion soup seasoning. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is quick to prepare and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
- 150g macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 500g beef mince
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 40g sachet French onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (ketchup)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup grated tasty cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Stir in the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced brown onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Brown the Beef:
- Add the beef mince to the skillet.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the mince into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 3–4 minutes, letting them soften slightly.
5. Season with French Onion Soup Mix:
- Sprinkle the French onion soup mix over the beef and vegetables.
- Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
6. Add Tomato Sauce and Peas:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, followed by the frozen peas.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
7. Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet.
- Stir well to ensure the pasta is coated with the savory mince mixture.
8. Add Cheese and Serve:
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Customize it: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the beef mince for plant-based mince or lentils.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Australian-inspired