Description
This One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni is a comforting, easy-to-make dish combining savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a family dinner, this meal delivers rich flavors and creamy texture with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Base
- 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Spices: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Macaroni: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Melt Topping Cheeses and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier dish and to reduce excess grease.
- Stir the macaroni occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter variation.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or chopped green onions make good garnishes.
