Hamburger Meat And Macaroni Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat And Macaroni Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups macaroni; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Weeknight Quick Meals Ideas

I absolutely love quick and hearty meals, and this Hamburger Meat and Macaroni Skillet is one of my favorites. It brings together ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, cheesy sauce that satisfies my cravings in no time. Plus, it's a one-pan dish that means less cleanup! I enjoy making this comforting meal on busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices for an extra kick. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:01:37.238Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was surprised at how quickly everything came together. The key is to start by browning the ground beef with some onions and garlic, which infuses the dish with wonderful flavor right from the start. Watching the macaroni absorb all that savory goodness while it cooks in the same pan is just magical!

Another tip I've found helpful is to keep the skillet covered for the last few minutes of cooking to help the cheese melt perfectly. It's that gooey, cheesy topping that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, you won’t want to skip that step!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying meal in just one pan
Comfort food that brings back childhood memories
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins

Mastering the Skillet Technique

Using a large skillet for this dish is crucial, as it allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding. A non-stick skillet can be particularly helpful when browning the beef, as it reduces the chance of sticking and makes cleanup easier. Make sure to keep the heat at medium; if it's too high, the meat can brown too quickly, becoming tough rather than tender.

After browning the beef, draining excess fat ensures the final dish isn't greasy, allowing the flavors to shine through. If you happen to use lean ground beef, you may find little to drain, which is fine; the important part is ensuring the meat is well browned for depth of flavor.

Perfecting the Pasta

Cooking the macaroni directly in the skillet creates a rich, flavorful base as it absorbs the beef broth. To ensure the pasta cooks evenly, keep the water at a rolling boil after adding the macaroni. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly after you've removed it from the heat.

Using high-quality beef broth enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you're short on time or don't have broth, water can be used instead, but I recommend adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves as a fantastic base to build upon. Consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the sautéing stage for added color and nutrition. If you're looking for a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

For serving, I love garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of freshness against the rich, cheesy skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be easily reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your skillet masterpiece.

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups macaroni
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add Macaroni and Broth

Stir in the macaroni and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.

Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Delicious! Your Hamburger Meat and Macaroni Skillet is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce when you add the macaroni. Feel free to throw in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for more veggies!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version of this recipe, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for the ground beef. They may require a little extra seasoning to achieve the same flavor punch but will give you a leaner option without sacrificing too much taste. Similarly, using whole grain macaroni instead of traditional pasta can add fiber and nutrients.

For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free macaroni, which is widely available, or substitute with quinoa or rice. Just remember that cook times may vary, so keep an eye on the pasta or grain to avoid overcooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to save time, the ground beef can be browned a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. The rest of the meal can then come together quickly on your chosen cooking day. This is especially helpful for busy weeknights when you want dinner to be ready in a flash.

You can also prepare this dish completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. When reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk to restore the creaminess, avoiding a dry texture.

Serving Variations

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping the finished dish with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for texture. A drizzle of barbecue sauce can introduce a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the cheesy elements beautifully.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can transform this dish into a casserole by transferring the skillet contents into a baking dish, topping it with additional cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden. This variation not only changes the texture but adds an enticing crispy layer on top.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that it may need a bit more seasoning.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This dish is complete on its own, but a simple green salad or some garlic bread would pair nicely!