Imagine a mouthwatering meal that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with hearty ground beef, all prepared in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. This One Pot Mac Beef recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution that will have your family asking for seconds! Perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum effort, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
- Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon and cook until it starts to brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced onions to the beef and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the beef is completely browned.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the dry macaroni to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Stir the melted cheese into the mac and beef mixture until well combined.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Don't skip draining excess fat: This prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to allow for perfect melting and absorption.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic, dried herbs like oregano, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- If the mixture seems too dry while cooking, add a little extra beef broth to keep the macaroni moist.
- For a spicy version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
