Name: One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth; 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups (150 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked); 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A quick, comforting, and family-friendly dish featuring tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese—all made in one skillet for easy cleanup!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. With minimal prep work and just one pan to clean afterward, it's perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. The combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese creates a dish that both kids and adults will eagerly devour. Plus, it's ready in just 35 minutes, making it faster than takeout and infinitely more satisfying. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort, delivering a hearty, homemade meal that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing, adding a subtle flavor while preventing the beef from sticking to the pan. You can substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed.

Ground beef creates the hearty, protein-rich foundation of this dish. Choose a lean blend (85/15 or 90/10) for the best flavor without excess grease. In a pinch, ground turkey or chicken can work as lighter alternatives.

Onion adds essential aromatic flavor and sweetness as it cooks down. Yellow or white onions work best here, but red onion could substitute if that's what you have on hand.

Garlic provides that distinctive pungent flavor that deepens the overall taste profile. Fresh minced cloves are ideal, but pre-minced jarred garlic works in a time crunch.

Dried oregano contributes an earthy, slightly bitter herb flavor that's classic in many comfort food dishes. It stands up well to the long cooking process.

Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the dish. Regular paprika works perfectly, though smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

Salt and black pepper are essential for proper seasoning. Kosher salt is preferable for cooking, but table salt works fine with adjusted quantities.

Beef broth forms the flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with savory notes as it cooks. Vegetable broth can substitute if needed.

Crushed tomatoes provide acidity, color, and body to the sauce, creating that perfect consistency that coats every piece of pasta. Fire-roasted varieties add extra depth.

Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice for this dish, with the perfect shape for holding sauce in its curves. Any small pasta shape like shells or rotini can work as an alternative.

Cheddar cheese brings that gooey, melty texture and rich flavor that makes this dish irresistible. Medium or sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but a combination with monterey jack or colby works beautifully too.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor profile. Freshly grated provides the best texture and melt.

Fresh parsley, while optional, adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Italian flat-leaf or curly parsley both work well.

Directions

Cook the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta:
Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal with potential leftovers. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying main dish. The total time from start to finish is just 35 minutes—10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking—making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ¼-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a spicier version.

Veggie Boost: Incorporate 1 cup of diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots while sautéing the onions for added nutrition and color.

Italian Style: Replace the oregano with Italian seasoning, add ½ teaspoon of basil, and use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Mexican Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and top with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.

Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese or ½ cup of sour cream before adding the cheddar for an extra creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Cheesy Beef and Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, allowing some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating in Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if it seems dry.

Reheating on Stovetop: For larger portions, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to revive the sauce as needed and stir occasionally until heated through. Cover the pan to help the cheese remelt properly.

Freshen Up Leftovers: Sprinkle with a little fresh cheese or herbs when reheating to refresh the flavors and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or farfalle. Just be aware that different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to cooking time, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later than the recipe suggests.

My sauce seems too watery, what should I do?

If your sauce is too thin after the pasta has finished cooking, uncover the skillet and simmer for a few additional minutes to reduce the liquid. The sauce will also thicken as it cools slightly, and the cheese will help bind everything together.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. If using turkey or chicken, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil since these meats are leaner than beef.

How can I make this dish more nutritious?

You can easily boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or grated carrots. Whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta can also increase the fiber and protein content.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and many people find the flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator. Prepare as directed, cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.

Why is my pasta not cooking evenly?

Ensure you're stirring occasionally during the simmering process to prevent pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Also, verify your heat is low enough to maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil, which can cook the pasta unevenly.

What can I use if I don't have beef broth?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth make good substitutes. In a pinch, you can use water with a beef bouillon cube or even water with an additional ½ teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for flavor.

Can I make this dish without cheese?

While the cheese adds creaminess and flavor, you can omit it for a dairy-free version. Consider adding more seasonings or a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternative for richness.

My family doesn't like tomatoes. Can I leave them out?

The crushed tomatoes provide liquid and flavor, but you could substitute with additional beef broth (2 cups total) plus 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for flavor without the chunky tomato texture.

How can I tell when the pasta is done?

The best way is to taste a piece – it should be tender but still have a slight firmness (al dente). Most of the liquid should be absorbed, but the mixture should still be saucy rather than dry.

Conclusion

This One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni embodies comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and universally appealing. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The beauty lies in its versatility; customize it to your family's preferences or what you have on hand. By combining the convenience of a one-pot cooking method with the heartiness of a homemade meal, this dish solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters, a hungry crowd, or just yourself, this cheesy beef macaroni delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Keep this recipe in your regular rotation for those evenings when you need a reliable, delicious meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.