Comfort food rarely comes better than a beef and macaroni skillet. This recipe features ground beef cooked in a tomato-based casserole sauce, laced with Italian spices, and gently simmered with elbow macaroni. It reminds me of family gatherings, where the aroma of tomatoes and garlic would fill the kitchen, and the sound of clinking dishes signaled the end of a hectic day.
This dish has been passed down through generations in my family. My grandma used to make it on cold evenings, humming softly as she stirred the pot with her old wooden spoon. Every spoonful seemed to carry love from her heart, turning the meal into more than just food—it became an expression of heartfelt comfort and warmth. Though I’ve made some additions over time, it remains the same cherished recipe.
Whether you need a simple weekday supper, a dish for a potluck, or something to warm your soul on a chilly day, this beef macaroni skillet is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how to prepare this comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups water
14.5 oz stewed tomatoes (with juice)
8 oz tomato sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Gather Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the small onion into fine, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and their flavor is distributed throughout the dish.
Prepare Other Ingredients:
Mince the garlic if it’s not pre-minced. Prepping everything before you start cooking makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef and Onions
Cook Beef and Onions:
Place the ground beef and chopped onions in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. The onions will soften and become translucent, contributing a savory taste to the dish. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.
Drain Excess Fat:
Strain out any excess fat from the pan to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Return the beef and onions to the pan.
Step 3: Seasoning the Beef
Add Seasonings:
Season the beef and onions with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously, making sure the garlic does not brown or burn, which can cause bitterness. This step ensures the garlic remains fragrant and flavors the entire dish.
Step 4: Adding the Liquids and Pasta
Add Macaroni:
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni to ensure it’s evenly coated with the beef mixture. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
Add Liquids:
Pour in the stewed tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well so that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Simmering to Perfection
Simmer:
Stir in the sugar and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cover and Cook:
Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam and cook the pasta through. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving
Check Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Optional Topping:
For an added flavor dimension, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a creamy, salty layer that pairs perfectly with the savory skillet.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the ground beef with veggie burger crumbles or a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Sauté the veggies with onions for extra flavor and consistency.
Gluten-Free Alternative:
Use gluten-free pasta in place of elbow macaroni. Ensure the pasta remains firm once cooked and doesn’t become mushy.
Cheese Lover’s Delight:
Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving for a gooey, cheesy dinner.
Add Some Heat:
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce along with the seasonings.
Different Proteins:
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
This simple meal, made with just a few ingredients, brings back fond memories of childhood and family gatherings. Beyond offering delicious food, it represents the idea of family ties and comfort—cooking from scratch and eating together. It’s satisfying and nourishing, with tender pasta and high-quality protein from the beef. Plus, this recipe only requires one pot, reducing both the workload and time spent in the kitchen.
Gather your loved ones, cook up this beef and macaroni skillet, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that comes with every bite.
