Toddler-Approved Macaroni & Beef

My son is at that toddler stage where all food is scary and getting him to eat anything is a battle. However, he has fallen in love with this easy macaroni and beef recipe I created! The best part is that it’s loaded with healthy vegetables! (Just don’t tell him that…)

Ingredients

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 c. carrot, shredded
• 2 c. spinach, chopped fine
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lbs ground beef
• 1 tbs salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 large cans petite diced tomatoes
• 2 c. water
• 1/4 c. sugar (this is a judgment-free zone)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 c. elbow pasta

Directions

Heat the olive oil on medium heat and add the onion and carrots. Cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes and add the spinach. Cook for another minute and add the garlic. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil and add the sugar. Once combined, add the pasta. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover until the pasta is cooked, about 10-15 minutes.

That’s it! If you’re not a huge fan of sugar, don’t add it or adjust to your liking. Sugar does cut the acidity of the tomatoes, so you might want to add some, but I understand that not everyone enjoys their macaroni this sweet.

If you’re looking for other toddler-approved recipes, check out the chicken meatballs our toddler loves. He’s enjoyed these for a while now, too! If you have any recommendations for picky toddlers, please let me know!