Cheesy Beef & Mac Skillet
This Cheesy Beef & Mac Skillet is a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the comforting flavors of ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese. A cherished recipe passed down from my grandmother, it has become a family staple in our home, and it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare. With a minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. My children, ages 6 and 7, request it regularly, and I love the balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
instant minced onion
2 tablespoons (or 1 medium onion, chopped)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
elbow macaroni
1 cup (uncooked)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. If necessary, drain excess fat.
3
Stir in the chili powder and cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
4
Add the tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes to thoroughly combine the flavors.
5
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the beef and sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
6
Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Mac Skillet?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What kind of pasta is required?
You should use 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Can I use fresh onion instead of minced?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of instant minced onion with 1 medium chopped onion.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is the macaroni cooked before being added to the skillet?
Yes, boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente and drain it before adding it to the beef mixture.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce and beef mixture should simmer for about 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
When do I add the chili powder?
Stir in the chili powder after browning the beef and onion, then cook for an additional minute.
How do I incorporate the cheese?
Stir half of the shredded cheese into the macaroni and beef mixture, then sprinkle the remaining half on top.
How do I melt the cheese on top?
Remove the skillet from the heat and cover it with a lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
Is this recipe child-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a favorite for kids and perfect for families.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe passed down from the creator's grandmother.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights with minimal prep time and easy cleanup.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, if necessary, drain the excess fat after browning the beef and onion.
What is the texture of the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, meaning it remains firm to the bite.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: beef, onion, chili powder, tomato sauce, macaroni, salt, pepper, and cheese.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should season the mixture with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What heat setting should I use for browning the beef?
Use a large skillet over medium heat.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and cheesy nature.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While it calls for instant minced or medium chopped onion, most onion varieties will work.
Is the dish spicy?
It contains 1 tablespoon of chili powder, which adds flavor but is generally mild enough for children.
How much macaroni do I start with?
Start with 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large skillet is best for browning the meat and mixing all the ingredients together.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, shredded cheddar cheese is specifically listed in the ingredients.
Do I boil the macaroni in the sauce?
No, the macaroni is boiled separately in water and then added to the sauce.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete meal prepared primarily in a skillet.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni.
How many servings does this make?
While not explicitly stated, the 1 lb of beef and 1 cup of pasta typically serve 4 people.