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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender ground beef cooked perfectly with sautéed onions and green peppers, simmered in a rich tomato sauce alongside tender macaroni, all melded together in one pot for an effortless, satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe delivers everything – savory depth, tender pasta, and a hint of tang from Worcestershire sauce – making it a family favorite that hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, well-loved ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one brings its own magic – from the hearty ground beef to the fresh crunch of green pepper, and the rich tomato sauce that ties everything together with its vibrant color and zest.
- 1-1/2 pound ground beef: The star protein that provides rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce: Brings vibrant color and tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 cup water: Helps the macaroni cook perfectly and keeps the sauce saucy.
- 1 package (7 ounces) macaroni: Classic pasta that soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper: Provides a fresh, slightly crisp bite that contrasts the tender pasta.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle, savory tang that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A little heat and spice to balance the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook everything together, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until the meat loses its pink color and the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds the savory foundation of the dish. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep it from getting greasy.
Step 2: Add the Sauce, Pasta, and Veggies
Next, pour in the tomato sauce and water, then stir in the uncooked macaroni, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce for that secret umami punch, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything right into the pan means the flavors will blend beautifully as it cooks, and no extra pots will dirty up your kitchen.
Step 3: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the whole mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom. Keep an eye on the liquid during simmering and add a splash more water if the dish looks too dry before the pasta is tender. This slow simmer transforms the macaroni to perfectly al dente and lets the beef soak up the tomato goodness.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish is wonderful on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little shredded cheddar cheese on top can add a fresh or creamy layer that makes each bite even more satisfying. For a bright zing, consider a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few dashes of hot sauce to really awaken the flavors.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans pair wonderfully with this hearty meal, adding some freshness and crunch to balance the rich, savory main dish. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also great if you want to sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe in deep bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, adding creaminess and cooling contrast. You could also turn it into a casserole by transferring the simmered dish into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld even more after resting, these make excellent next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just portion it out so you can defrost only what you’ll need. Freezing helps preserve the savory goodness for those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it looks too thick. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without meat. Increasing the Worcestershire sauce and adding smoked paprika can help boost the umami flavor.
What kind of macaroni works best for this recipe?
Classic elbow macaroni is ideal because it holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the simmering liquid. However, small pasta shapes like shells or rigatoni can also work if you prefer.
Can I add cheese directly into the pot?
You can stir in some shredded cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy texture. Just be sure to add it off the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming stringy.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pan?
Regularly stirring during simmering and adjusting the liquid as needed will help keep the macaroni from clumping or sticking. Keeping the heat low and covered also ensures even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe is truly a revelation for anyone who loves a fulfilling, flavorful meal without a fuss. It brings people together with its warmth and simplicity, and the fact that it all cooks in one pot means you get to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying. So grab those ingredients, turn on the stove, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dinner that feels like a hug in every bite. You’re going to love it!
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One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni and Beef recipe is a hearty, easy-to-make meal that combines tender ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce with green peppers and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while delivering comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (7 ounces) macaroni pasta
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, uncooked macaroni, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer until the macaroni is tender, approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add additional water if the mixture becomes too thick.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the dish.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer uncovered after the macaroni is tender.
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or Italian seasoning when cooking the beef and onions.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups; just use a larger pan or pot.
