You’ll love this skillet macaroni and beef recipe. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Is there anything better than cooking a satisfying meal in a cast iron skillet over an open flame?

No, I don’t think there is. Especially when the weather is changing and the first chill of fall is in the air.

This one-pot meal is perfect for cooking over the fire, on the grill, or the stovetop. It wouldn’t be an Outdoor Muscle recipe if it weren’t hearty and high protein. In this recipe, I combine lean grass-fed ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a rich blend of flavors that will make you come back for seconds and thirds. 

Whether you’re whipping up this simple dish as a post-workout recovery meal or for a family dinner, this skillet macaroni and beef recipe is a must-try.

So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

Recipe Video

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What You’ll Need

Ground Beef: 95/5 or 93/7 grass-fed ground beef is the heart and soul of this meal. Lean ground beef has less fat and cholesterol than its higher fat alternatives like 80/20. It’s also high in protein and B vitamins. Ground beef is satiating and will keep you full longer than other protein sources.

Macaroni: Macaroni noodles pair perfectly with this recipe’s ingredients. Going with macaroni instead of another cooked pasta will give you that “Mom’s homemade hamburger helper” feel.

Veggies:  I like to keep it simple with onion, garlic, and red bell peppers (optional). But feel free to get as creative as you like. 

Sauce: To make this recipe a flavorful one-pot masterpiece, you will need diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. 

Seasoning: I use an Italian seasoning mix for this recipe. You can use dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have a pre-mixed Italian seasoning. And, of course, I like to throw in a dash of smoked paprika.

Tools of the Trade

Large Skillet: You’ll need a large skillet to have enough room for the whole pound of beef and broth.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is excellent for breaking apart ground beef.

Chef’s Knife: A good knife is one of the best investments. We cook several times a day, so why not get a good knife to make your cooking much easier?

Optional Ingredients

I love to provide my readers with optional ingredients they can use to make this recipe their own.

Extra Spice: If you like spicy food, red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a bit of Tabasco sauce, compliment this meal perfectly. You can also add more (or different) peppers to the mix. Green pepper or jalapeno are good choices.

Extra Onion: I love topping this meal off with sliced green onion. It’s a perfect garnish that adds color and tons of flavor.

Cheese: A little melty cheese is all you need to make this an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love, even the picky eaters. I use a half cup of shredded cheddar.

Substitutions

You can make a few substitutions to customize this meal even further.

Beef: Though I love this hamburger macaroni skillet with beef, you can substitute the beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will keep it high in protein with even less fat.

Onion: Onion and garlic make this skillet meal a home run. But, I understand sometimes you need to whip something up in a jif and don’t have time to run to the store. In that case, you can substitute the onions for seasoning. Try onion powder, garlic powder (or garlic salt), and chili powder to give you a similar flavor as the original recipe.

How to Make this Skillet Macaroni and Beef Recipe

This one-pot recipe gets easier every time you make it!

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your fresh ingredients. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and small dice the red bell pepper (if you’re using peppers). If using green onion to garnish, separate the green stems from the white root and thinly slice both.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the skillet. Add the diced onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and any vegetables you like. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook on medium heat until browned. 

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Add a can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth to the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the Macaroni

Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet. Ensure the liquid covers the macaroni. Stir the skillet until combined. Simmer on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente.

Step 6: Get Cheesy

Once the macaroni is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Stir to combine. Let cool for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

It’s finally time to dig into this delicious meal. Sprinkle the green tops of the green onion over the skillet and serve.  The combination of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy macaroni is irresistible. The best part is that you only have one skillet to clean up after a satisfying meal!

FAQ

How should I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container. You can reheat in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, reheat at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. I would still use tomato paste to give it that thick, saucy feel, but fresh cherry or grape tomatoes will compliment this recipe nicely.

What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet macaroni and beef recipe pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a well-rounded meal on its own, but you can always add sides.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our grilled venison burger recipe!

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