Creole Macaroni

Creole Macaroni is a delicious and hearty dish that combines pasta with a flavorful, spicy sauce infused with Creole-inspired seasonings. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a meal prep option!

Ingredients (Serves 6):

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

• 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a combination)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning meat)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup chicken or beef broth

• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning (or to taste)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce:

   • In a large skillet or deep pot, heat olive oil (if using) over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

   • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Make the Creole sauce:

   • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth to the skillet. Stir in Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine pasta and sauce:

   • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.

5. Serve:

   • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

This Creole macaroni is bold, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s an easy one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Enjoy it as-is or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal! I love adding garlic bread with it as well!