1-First: combine all sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and set them aside.

2-Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add beef, and crumble while cooking for about 3 minutes. Then add diced onions and sauté until beef is fully cooked, which takes around 5-6 minutes. Drain the grease and set the beef mixture aside.

3-Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1/2 tablespoon salt, and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set it aside.

4-In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, flour, and tomato paste, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes.

5-Slowly add the prepared sauce mixture in small splashes while stirring continuously to keep it thick.

6-Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

7-Gradually sprinkle cheese into the sauce, stirring until it’s fully melted.

8-Add the cooked ground beef and onions back into the sauce and stir to combine.

9-Stir in the cooked macaroni and heat through. Optionally, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover briefly to melt, and serve.