Craving a meal that hugs your soul and satisfies your hunger in just one incredible dish? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Beef and Macaroni Skillet that promises to be your new family favorite! In just 60 minutes, you'll create a hearty, cheesy masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a melty cheese topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your cooking workspace by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings throughout the meat mixture.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of beef, pasta, and melted cheese.
Tips
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Ensure your ground beef is completely browned with no pink remaining to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Don't rush the onions: Sauté them until they're translucent to release their natural sweetness.
- Be careful with garlic: Add it last and cook briefly to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Stir occasionally while cooking pasta: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Let the cheese melt naturally: Covering the skillet after sprinkling cheese helps it melt perfectly without drying out the dish.
- Optional upgrades: Consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or some fresh parsley on top for extra freshness.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
