One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet
In short: Ground beef, tomatoes and elbow macaroni cooked together in one large pan, then stirred with Cheddar into a thick, creamy supper. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 560 kcal
This is the weeknight dinner that gets scraped clean: ground beef, onion and tomato sauce, with dry macaroni cooked right in the pan so it absorbs all the flavor. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce, and Cheddar melts in at the end. It needs one pan, about thirty-five minutes and no draining. Serve it with a green salad or steamed broccoli, and add chili flakes at the table for adults.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion and cook for 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned. Spoon off excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute until the paste darkens.
- Pour in the tomatoes, stock and water and bring to a boil, scraping up anything stuck to the pan.
- Stir in the macaroni, making sure it is submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick.
- Remove the lid and cook for 2 minutes more if the sauce is still thin. Turn off the heat.
- Stir in half the Cheddar until melted, then top with the remaining cheese and cover for 2 minutes. Scatter with parsley and serve hot.
Tips
- Use a pan with a lid and a wide base so the pasta cooks evenly. Stir often, since pasta can stick to the bottom.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey, or add chopped bell peppers or spinach with the stock for extra vegetables.
Questions and answers
Can I cook the pasta in the sauce without draining?
Yes. The pasta absorbs the liquid and releases starch that thickens the sauce. If it gets dry, add a splash of water.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Use small shapes such as shells, rotini or penne. Adjust the time by checking the package and tasting for doneness.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or milk when you reheat so the sauce loosens.
How long does it take to make One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet?
About 560 kcal per serving, with 34 g of protein, 46 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 560 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
