Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe

If you’re in search of something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious that comes together quickly, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and melty cheese into one satisfying skillet meal. It’s like a warm hug after a busy day, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe plays a key role. From the pasta providing a hearty base to the blend of spices that give it that signature kick — knowing your ingredients can really help nail the flavor and texture!

• Elbow macaroni or tubular pasta: Choose a pasta shape like cavatappi if you want something a little different, but elbow macaroni is classic here.
• Kosher salt: You’ll want to season your pasta water and the dish itself for balanced flavor.
• Whole peeled tomatoes: Using canned whole tomatoes means you get fresh-tasting sauce that’s easy to puree to your desired consistency.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften veggies without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter: Gives a silky richness to the base of the sauce — don’t skip it!
• Onion: Finely diced for that sweet, aromatic foundation.
• Green pepper: Adds a nice mild crunch and freshness; finely diced keeps it subtle.
• Garlic: Minced garlic amps up the savory notes—a little goes a long way here.
• Dried oregano: This herb brings an earthy Italian touch that pairs beautifully with tomato.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that wakes up the palate without burning.
• Fresh parsley: Minced parsley brightens the whole dish and adds color.
• 80/20 ground beef: I use this fat ratio so you get juicy meat without excess grease.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami that makes the beef flavor pop.
• Chicken stock: Helps thin out the sauce while adding savory richness—low sodium is best to keep control over saltiness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for that fresh, peppery bite.
• Low moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese: Cubed for melty, gooey goodness that melds into every bite.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty finish sprinkled on top.

Variations

My favorite thing about this Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what you’re craving or what’s in your fridge. I often play around with it to keep things interesting.

• Swap meats: I’ve tried lean ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef, and each adds a fun twist to the flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to sneak in some greens without sacrificing that comforting vibe.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, dial up the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce — my family loves this kick.
• Dairy-free: You can skip the cheeses or switch to plant-based alternatives if you need a dairy-free version; it still tastes great!

How to Make Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Macaroni in Hot Salted Water

Start by placing your macaroni in a large bowl soaked with hot water, making sure to add plenty of kosher salt. This soaking step lets the pasta begin to soften gently while you prep everything else. I love this trick because it saves time and ensures your noodles have the perfect texture without overcooking later. Stir the macaroni a couple of times during these first 10 minutes to prevent clumping.

Step 2: Puree the Tomatoes

Use a hand blender right in the tomato can or transfer to a countertop blender to process your whole peeled tomatoes until mostly smooth. This makes a silky sauce base that’s fresher than jarred varieties. Set this aside for when we add it to the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

Heat your olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large, straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven. Swirl the pan so the butter melts evenly. Then toss in finely diced onions and green pepper, turn the heat down to medium, and stir frequently until they’re softened but not browned — about 7 minutes. This creates a perfectly tender, sweet veggie base. Add minced garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and half the parsley; cook another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Clear a small space in the center of your pan and crank the heat to high. Add the ground beef and break it up first with a wooden spoon and then a potato masher if you have one — that’s a trick I learned to get nice, small beef pieces that mix evenly. Cook for about 4 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink showing. This step is crucial for flavor and texture.

Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes and Noodles

Pour in your pureed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Drain the soaked noodles well in a colander, then add them directly into the pot with the beef mixture. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock, folding the noodles through the sauce so everything gets beautifully coated. Cover and simmer hard for about half of the pasta’s usual cooking time—this lets the noodles finish cooking right in the flavors.

Step 6: Cheese Time and Final Cooking

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add half of your mozzarella cubes and incorporate them quickly—try not to overstir here or the cheese will get stringy and stick to your spoon. Spread the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top, then sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese. Cover the pan and turn the heat as low as possible, cooking for 3 minutes. Afterward, remove from heat but keep it covered for at least 5 minutes to let the cheese melt fully and the flavors meld.

Step 7: Serve with Fresh Parsley and Extra Cheese

Uncover your skillet masterpiece and sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, don’t forget to have extra Worcestershire sauce on the table — it’s an unexpected game-changer that adds a lovely tangy boost!

How to Serve Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly minced parsley and a little more Parmigiano-Reggiano on top right before serving. It wakes up the flavors with a hit of freshness and adds a pretty garnish that just says comfort-meets-classy. Some days, a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce on your plate works wonders too!

Side Dishes

This skillet is usually a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, simple sides work best. I love a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans lightly buttered and seasoned. Sometimes, my family gets excited about garlic bread on the side — that crusty, buttery goodness pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual mini skillets or oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It definitely elevates the casual vibe and makes everyone feel like it’s a fancy dinner, even when it’s easy and weeknight-friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container once cooled and into the fridge, where they keep well for 3 to 4 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful if not better.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this macaroni skillet with success. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to refresh the saucy texture. Stir occasionally just to combine and avoid sticking. Microwaving works too—cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Macaroni Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want to deliver comforting, satisfying flavors without fuss. It’s a timeless classic reimagined in a way that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easy to make, delicious every single time, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

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