Soul Macaroni Bolognese

Looking for an easy, comforting weeknight dish? Here’s a twist on a classic Italian dish featuring elbow macaroni tossed in a hearty beef sauce with smoked paprika, herbs, and fresh basil. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Classic Italian meat sauce with a soulful kick of smoked paprika and fresh basil.

For the Pasta

• 16 oz elbow macaroni

• Salt for boiling

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half turkey if preferred)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 small carrot, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp sugar (optional — balances acidity)

• ½–1 tsp salt, to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional but makes it luxurious)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.

• Drain, lightly toss with a bit of olive oil, and set aside.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.

• Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.

• Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme. Stir 1 minute.

• Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well.

• Add salt, pepper, and sugar if using.

• Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until thick and rich.

• Stir in heavy cream for smoothness (optional) and fold in fresh basil.

• Add the cooked macaroni directly into the sauce.

• Stir until every noodle is coated and glossy.

Serving Suggestion

Top with:

• Fresh basil

• Grated Parmesan

• A pinch of smoked paprika for color and soul

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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting with women about God’s goodness.