One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet
A comforting one-pot meal combining browned ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese for an easy family dinner. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, (uncooked) small elbow macaroni, small, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 80% lean ground beef
- 2 cups (uncooked) small elbow macaroni
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth and bring to a boil. Add 2 cups uncooked small elbow macaroni, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot for a cheesy, hearty dinner.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 80% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
