Cheesy Beef Macaroni Skillet
This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes, and creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It's a one-pan dish that's packed with flavor and made quickly using pantry staples. Ideal for busy weeknights, this meal requires minimal prep time and cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner with your family. With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it's sure to become a weeknight favorite!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (1/2 can) (none)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated (more if desired))
elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups (dried)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is no longer pink.
3
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and 3/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni.
5
Once the beef sauce has simmered, combine the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture in the skillet. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
6
Serve warm, topped with additional parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
33g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Cheesy Beef Macaroni Skillet?
This dish is a savory and creamy comfort food that combines lean ground beef with zesty diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese for a hearty finish.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
The chopped onion and minced garlic should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How long should the beef and tomato mixture simmer?
After adding the tomatoes, sauce, and cheese, let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, you should add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice to the skillet.
How much parmesan cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese to be stirred into the simmering beef mixture.
How should the elbow macaroni be cooked?
The macaroni should be boiled in salted water according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, then drained.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
This recipe provides 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates in a single serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this skillet meal?
There are 7 main ingredients: lean ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and elbow macaroni.
Can I add extra cheese to this dish?
Yes, you can serve the dish with additional parmesan cheese on top if desired.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This meal pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a skillet meal, though you will need a separate pot to boil the macaroni.
What size of tomato sauce can should I use?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of tomato sauce, which is typically half of a standard 15-ounce can.
How much elbow macaroni is used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of dried elbow macaroni.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prep the onion?
The onion should be chopped to yield approximately 1/2 cup.
What is the texture of the macaroni when finished?
The macaroni should be cooked until 'al dente', meaning firm to the bite, before being combined with the sauce.
Can this recipe be made quickly on a weeknight?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a quick dinner with minimal prep time and cleanup, ideal for busy weeknights.
What is the weight of the diced tomatoes required?
You need one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
When should the macaroni be added to the skillet?
Once the beef sauce has finished simmering for 20 minutes, stir in the cooked and drained macaroni.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific fiber count.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include one-dish meal, pasta, beef, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipes, skillet meal, and family dinner.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The specific sugar content is not provided in the nutritional breakdown.
How do I ensure the flavors are well combined?
After mixing the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
What heat level should I use to cook the beef?
After sautéing the aromatics, increase the heat to medium-high to brown the lean ground beef.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a weeknight favorite that is perfect for enjoying dinner with the family.
What is the preparation method for the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese should be grated before being added to the sauce.