Skillet Beef and Macaroni: Weeknight Dinnertime Hero
Calling all busy chefs! This Skillet Beef and Macaroni is your weeknight dinnertime superhero. It's a one-pot wonder that's incredibly easy to throw together, yet delivers big on comfort food flavor. Imagine juicy ground beef and tender elbow macaroni bathed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, all seasoned with a touch of Italian magic. It's a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table, and with minimal cleanup required!
Why This Skillet Beef and Macaroni Belongs on Your Dinner Menu:
- One-Pot Powerhouse: This dish comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a delicious tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you're short on time.
Ingredients to Gather for Your Skillet Beef and Macaroni Adventure:
- Savory Base for Flavor:
- 1 pound ground beef - the protein star
- 1 small onion, diced - adds aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon salt - to enhance all the flavors
- ½ teaspoon black pepper - for a touch of warmth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic - savory goodness
- Macaroni Magic:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni - the pasta base
- Flavorful Sauce Symphony:
- 2 cups water - creates the base of the sauce
- 14.5 ounces stewed tomatoes, undrained (crushed or diced tomatoes work too!) - adds rich tomato flavor
- 8 ounces tomato sauce - extra tomatoey goodness
- 2 teaspoons sugar - a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - a blend of herbs and spices for an Italian flair
- Optional Finishing Touch:
- Grated Parmesan cheese - for an extra layer of flavor and richness
Step-by-Step Guide to Skillet Beef and Macaroni Success:
- Brown the Beef and Befriend the Onions: Heat some oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. This step builds a flavorful base for the entire dish.
- Drain and Season for Savory Bliss: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the browned beef and onions with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Now you've got a delicious base simmering with savory goodness.
- Welcome the Macaroni to the Party: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta gets coated with all those yummy flavors.
- Let it Simmer for Saucy Perfection: Pour in the water, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the elbow macaroni is cooked through to your desired texture. As the mixture simmers, the flavors will marry beautifully and the sauce will thicken slightly.
- Adjust and Serve: Throughout the simmering process, give your Skillet Beef and Macaroni an occasional stir. If the pasta seems to be drying out before it's fully cooked, add a little bit more water, just enough to keep things moist. Once the pasta is cooked through, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Parmesan Perfection (Optional): If you'd like to take this dish to the next level of flavor and richness, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dinnertime!: Serve this hot and delicious Skillet Beef and Macaroni straight from the skillet, spooning it onto plates for everyone to enjoy. This one-pot wonder is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. Dinners don't get much easier or tastier than this!
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