Easy Beef and Macaroni Skillet
If you’re searching for a hearty one-pot meal, this Beef and Macaroni Skillet (sometimes called American Goulash) is the ultimate comfort food. It’s loaded with lean ground beef, tender macaroni, savory tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in under an hour.
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Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this skillet dinner delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this flavorful ground beef and pasta dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups dry macaroni
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Base
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add beef broth, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and paprika. Stir everything together, then bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the macaroni, raise heat back to medium-high, and cook until pasta is al dente (10–12 minutes). Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking and to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the bay leaf, lower the heat, and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Perfect with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or swap paprika for smoked paprika.
- Veggie boost: Stir in corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Beef and Macaroni Skillet
This hearty skillet is a complete meal, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
- A fresh garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Elbow macaroni is traditional, but penne, rotini, or shells work too.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then transfer everything (except pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. Add pasta and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based ground beef substitute.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 servings)
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 16g
