One-Pot Macaroni and Beef is the ultimate comfort food—savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and vibrant veggies all come together with rich tomato sauce for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s on the table in just 30 minutes. If you want a hassle-free dinner that delivers both flavor and nostalgia, this hearty classic is sure to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only One Pot Needed: Everything—from browning the beef to simmering the macaroni—comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a total breeze.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something filling, comforting, and quick—without resorting to takeout.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The rich, tomatoey sauce and savory ground beef never fail to bring everyone to the table with big smiles (and big appetites!).
- Easy to Adapt: You can easily tweak the veggies, seasonings, or pasta shape to suit your family’s preferences or whatever’s in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Macaroni and Beef recipe leans on simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final dish. Don’t let the short list fool you—every element brings flavor, comfort, and effortless color to your bowl!
- Ground beef (1-1/2 lbs): The hearty base—choose lean for less grease, but any ground beef gives lots of savory depth.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and a wonderful aromatic background.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 8 oz each): Thickens everything up and infuses the whole dish with that classic, tangy richness.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the macaroni while blending all the flavors into harmony.
- Macaroni (one 7 oz package): The signature pasta—its shape is perfect for soaking up sauce and delivering satisfying bites.
- Chopped green pepper (1/2 cup): Adds a little pop of color and a fresh, slightly grassy crunch to the mix.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): Just a few tablespoons go a long way in boosting savory complexity.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the flavors and brings the whole dish together.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just the right amount of warmth and gentle heat.
Variations
One of my favorite things about One-Pot Macaroni and Beef is how endlessly customizable it is! Whether you’re looking to use up what’s in your fridge, cater to different diets, or just spice things up, here are a few creative twists you might love:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a cup or two of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving for that irresistible, melty finish.
- Veggie Packed: Toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, frozen peas, or diced carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or swap in spicy sausage for a bolder, punchier flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni—just keep an eye on the liquid as some pastas absorb more than others.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Break up the beef as it cooks—let everything sizzle and brown until there’s no trace of pink left, and those onions are soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat before moving to the next step for a lighter, less greasy dish.
Step 2: Add Everything Else
To the pan, stir in the tomato sauce, water, macaroni, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix—watch those vibrant reds and greens swirl together in the skillet, promising flavor in every forkful.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Bring your pan to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it bubble away for 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The macaroni will soak up all that delicious liquid and become perfectly tender. If it starts looking a little dry, splash in extra water as needed, then serve up a bowl of pure comfort!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Macaroni and Beef
- Choose the Right Pot: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking as your macaroni expands.
- Keep an Eye on Liquid: Some macaroni brands soak up more sauce than others—if things look dry before the pasta is done, don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of water.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stop simmering once your macaroni is just barely tender; it’ll continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so this keeps it from turning mushy.
- Brighten Before Serving: Toss in a handful of fresh herbs (like parsley) right at the end for a pop of color and a little extra flavor lift.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni and Beef
Garnishes
For maximum flavor and a little flair, sprinkle your One-Pot Macaroni and Beef with chopped fresh parsley or basil. A dusting of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese never hurts either—especially for cheese-lovers in the house!
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or classic garlic bread. Roasted or steamed green beans and buttery corn on the cob also make tasty, simple companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve One-Pot Macaroni and Beef in colorful bowls for a cozy family dinner, or spoon into mini ramekins for a fun, individual touch at casual gatherings. For extra homey vibes, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Macaroni and Beef keeps beautifully! Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days—the flavors only deepen and get better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, though the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating. Cool thoroughly, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to help refresh the pasta as you warm it up on the stovetop over low heat (or use the microwave for individual portions). Stir often and heat until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta in One-Pot Macaroni and Beef?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells will work well. Just keep an eye on cooking time and adjust the liquid as needed, since different pastas soak up sauce at different rates.
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Can I make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the recipe as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate in meal-prep containers. The flavors deepen overnight, making it ideal for lunches and quick dinners throughout the week.
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What’s the best way to add extra veggies to this recipe?
Great question! Simply toss in chopped mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or frozen peas along with the green pepper. The key is to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the same amount of time.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, cooked lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. The seasoning and sauce will deliver the same cozy, savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-warming, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love, give One-Pot Macaroni and Beef a spot on your dinner table. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your evening with happy faces. Enjoy every bite!
Print
One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting recipe for Macaroni and Beef, combining ground beef with macaroni pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (7 ounces) macaroni
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ingredients:
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef and onion until the meat is no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, water, macaroni, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until macaroni is tender, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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