If there’s a dish that’s equal parts effortless and crave-worthy, it’s One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni. Hearty ground beef mingles with tender elbow macaroni, all wrapped in a blanket of gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese, making this a comfort food dream you can pull together any night of the week. Every forkful is brimming with rich tomato flavor, lively seasonings, and that magical cheesiness everyone loves. Even better, it all comes together in just one skillet for minimal fuss and easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, it’s a meal your whole family will request on repeat!

One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni are refreshingly simple, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From juicy beef to zesty cheese, here’s what you’ll need and why they matter.

Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef and sauté the aromatics for a deeper flavor base.
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish—choose lean or regular based on your preference for richness.
Onion: Provides sweetness and body, creating an aromatic backdrop for the beef and tomatoes.
Garlic: Invites a subtle depth and classic aroma no beefy pasta should be without.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient for perfect seasoning.
Black Pepper: Offers a gentle heat and earthiness to keep things interesting.
Paprika: Lends warm color and a subtle smoky sweetness that brings the dish to life.
Italian Seasoning: Brings in that hint of dried herbs—think oregano and basil—for a classic pasta taste.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice): These bring acidity, juiciness, and a pop of vibrant tomato flavor to every bite.
Beef Broth: Intensifies the beefy goodness and helps cook the macaroni to tender perfection.
Elbow Macaroni: The pasta of choice, with the perfect shape to soak up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: A must for creamy, full-flavored melt and a golden finish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that perfect stretchy, gooey cheese pull that makes this dish irresistible.
Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, vibrant finish and a lovely pop of green color just before serving.

How to Make One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s deliciously browned and no longer pink—this not only gives the meat a flavorful crust but also sets the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef. Continue to cook for about three minutes, just until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This little step coaxes maximum aroma and sweetness from the veggies, infusing the whole dish with that classic homemade taste.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure every bite of beef is coated in seasoning—these simple spices do wonders, bringing warmth and a subtle herbiness that beautifully balances the rich sauce and cheese to come.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juice included, followed by the beef broth. Give everything a hearty stir to mingle the flavors. The combination of tomatoes and broth serves as the base for your simmering macaroni, ensuring it cooks in layers of flavor rather than plain water.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Check on it occasionally and give it a stir so nothing sticks. The pasta will soak up all those tasty juices and become perfectly tender.

Step 6: Get Cheesy

Once the macaroni is done and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses while the pasta is still steamy, letting them melt into a creamy, irresistible sauce that binds everything together.

Step 7: Finish with Parsley

Garnish your bubbling skillet of One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds vibrant color and just the right hint of freshness to cut through the richness.

How to Serve One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni

Garnishes

Go classic with a simple sprinkle of chopped parsley to keep things fresh and inviting. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of extra black pepper or even a dusting of shaved Parmesan cheese will take the presentation up a notch. For a little zing, try adding sliced green onions or a few chili flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

Balance the comforting richness of One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. A side of roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers also works beautifully. And if you’re in the mood for a treat, some warm garlic bread alongside to mop up the last of the cheesy sauce is pure joy.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe that encourages everyone to dig in. For individual portions, spoon the cheesy beef and macaroni into oven-safe bowls and pop under the broiler for a minute or two to create a bubbling cheese crust. Or, try filling roasted bell peppers with leftovers for an inventive twist on stuffed peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making this recipe perfect for meal-prepped lunches or busy next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze for later, let the dish cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. To help maintain the best texture, consider undercooking the pasta by a minute or two before freezing.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or milk if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 45-second bursts until heated through, stirring after each interval for even melting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic pick for One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or penne. Just check for doneness, as cooking times may vary slightly.

What’s the best beef to use?

Go with whatever ground beef you prefer. Lean ground beef keeps things lighter, while higher-fat blends add extra flavor and richness. Either way, the results will be delicious!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Stir in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for more color and nutrition. You can even sneak in spinach or zucchini toward the end for extra greens.

How do I make it spicier?

Give your One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni a zippy kick by swapping mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.

Is it gluten-free?

As written, this recipe calls for traditional elbow macaroni, but you can absolutely use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular noodles. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy, and utterly comforting dinner, you simply can’t go wrong with One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hearty appetites, or just craving some cozy, cheesy goodness. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni is a delicious and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheese in a single skillet for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Season and add tomatoes: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Add macaroni: Bring to a boil, add macaroni, and simmer until tender.
Melt cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheeses until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.