Skillet Macaroni and Ground Beef
Enjoy a comforting one-pot meal with skillet macaroni and ground beef. Packed with flavor and convenience, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
This comforting macaroni and ground beef is an American chop suey type of dish that is packed with flavor. This version includes tomato sauce along with ground beef, garlic, bell pepper, and onion. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds to the excellent flavor. My favorite thing about this dish is the convenience.
Everything is cooked in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven. No extra pot or colander to clean, it’s an all-in-one meal!
Why You’ll Love It
One pot means easy cleanup. No need to boil the pasta separately or dirty extra pans.
Hearty and satisfying. Ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce make it a full meal.
Classic comfort food flavor. Inspired by American goulash or chop suey, it’s nostalgic and crowd-pleasing.
Flexible ingredients. Easy to adapt with what you have on hand — cheese, veggies, or other meats.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef – 85% lean is ideal for flavor without too much excess fat.
- Olive oil – Just enough to coat the pan and help toast the macaroni.
- Macaroni – Uncooked elbow pasta, lightly browned in the skillet before simmering.
- Onion and bell pepper – Classic flavor base; use green or any color bell pepper.
- Garlic – Adds depth; sauté briefly to avoid bitterness.
- Tomato sauce – Two cans provide a rich, smooth base.
- Water – Helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami and brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper – Adjust to taste based on your ingredients.
Steps to Make Skillet Macaroni and Ground Beef
- Brown the ground beef in olive oil until no longer pink; transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the macaroni, onion, and bell pepper in the same pan until the pasta is golden.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return the beef to the pan along with tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips
- Toast the pasta briefly before simmering — it adds a toasty flavor and helps the sauce cling.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking on the bottom.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt or Worcestershire as needed for balance.
Recipe Variations
- Make it cheesy. Stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese just before serving.
- Add tomatoes. Mix in a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes for extra texture and brightness.
- Use ground turkey. Swap in turkey for a lighter version.
- Add heat. Include a minced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it veggie-packed. Toss in some corn, zucchini, or chopped spinach.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for balance.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar over each serving.
- Pair with garlic bread or rolls for a heartier meal.
- Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
How to Store (and Reheat, if applicable)
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick or dry.
Skillet Macaroni and Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or enough to coat the skillet
- 8 ounces macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 cans tomato sauce, 8 ounces each
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or sauté pan. When the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up and stirring, until no longer pink.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and add the macaroni, onion, and green pepper; sauté in the meat juices over low heat until the pasta is golden yellow. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet, add the tomato sauce and remaining ingredients, and stir. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
