Skillet Mac Beef

Skillet Mac Beef is a one-pan wonder that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich medley of tomatoes, garlic, and spices for a comforting meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe cooks everything in a single skillet—from browning the beef to simmering the pasta in savory beef broth—making clean-up a breeze. A generous sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy indulgence, while optional parsley provides a fresh pop of color. With its quick prep time, robust seasoning blend, and family-friendly appeal, this easy skillet dinner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.

Step 4

Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2135.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2877.6

Total Fat 159.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 543.2mg	0%
Sodium 5654.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 196.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 25.3g
Protein 175.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1808.3mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 2535.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 26.9%