One-Pot Beef & Macaroni Skillet

By Muhammad Faizan

Description

This comforting one-pot pasta combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup simple. The final result is a thick, hearty, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.

 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Base

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional if beef is fatty)

Seasoning

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Tomato Mixture

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Pasta

  • 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni (dry)

  • 3 cups beef broth or water

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

  2. Add Aromatics
    Stir in onions and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Season
    Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the meat.

  4. Add Tomato Components
    Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.

  5. Add Broth & Pasta
    Pour in beef broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Add the dry elbow macaroni.

  6. Simmer
    Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender and sauce thickens.

  7. Optional Cheese
    Stir in shredded cheese until melted (or sprinkle on top).

  8. Serve
    Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

 Time Guide

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Cook: 25 minutes

  • Total: 35 minutes

 Servings

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

 Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Without cheese add-in.

  • Calories: 430

  • Protein: 27g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 840mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

 Benefits of This Dish

  • One-pot: Minimal cleanup.

  • High-protein: Ground beef provides a satisfying, filling meal.

  • Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable pasta.

  • Family-friendly: Mild flavors that appeal to kids and adults.

  • Customizable: Add veggies, switch proteins, or make it cheesy.

 Recipe Notes & Tips

Flavor Boosters

  • Add 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.

  • Add a splash of hot sauce for heat.

  • A teaspoon of sugar can balance acidity if tomatoes taste too sharp.

Pasta Tips

  • Do NOT overcook the macaroni; check after 10–12 minutes.

  • If sauce gets too thick, add ¼–½ cup broth.

Variations

  • Veggie version: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

  • Turkey version: Replace beef with ground turkey and use chicken broth.

  • Cheesy version: Stir in cheddar for a creamy finish.

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! It reheats well. Add a splash of water when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: You can freeze it, but pasta may soften. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use another pasta shape?

A: Yes — shells, rotini, or small tubes work well. Cooking time may vary.

Q: How can I make it spicier?

A: Add extra re

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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