Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet
+3 photos

Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet

4 servings
Upgrade that classic boxed dinner with this homemade macaroni and beef skillet that's fresher, better, and every bit as cozy and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 85% lean ground round
    1 lb.
  • onion

    chopped

    1 medium
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp.
  • unsalted beef stock
    3 c
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp.
  • italian seasoning
    1 tsp.
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp.
  • smoked paprika
    ½ tsp.
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • uncooked uncooked elbow macaroni

    about 1 2/3 cups

    8 oz.
  • sharp cheddar

    shredded, divided, 2 cups

    8 oz.
  • bagged frozen cut leaf spinach

    10 oz.

    3 ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Crumble beef into pan and sprinkle onions into pan. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, stirring frequently to crumble, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook until tomato paste darkens, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in beef stock, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic power, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni. Reduce heat to medium or level needed to maintain a low boil; cook, uncovered, until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally, 12 to 14 minutes.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in half of cheese, then add frozen spinach. Cook until spinach thaws and wilts, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Add remaining cheese, stirring until cheese melts.

    Step 3
Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet
+3

Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet

30 min4 servings

Similar Recipes

Beef Mac and Cheese

Beef Mac and Cheese

Easy to prepare with less than 10 simple ingredients, this Beef Mac and Cheese is absolutely delicious and sure to become a weekly dinner for the family. This recipe is a foolproof classic in our house and better yet it's made from start to finish in just 45 minutes.

45 minutes8 servings418 kcal
Cheesy Beef and Shells

Cheesy Beef and Shells

An easy, cheesy skillet dinner with seasoned ground beef and pasta shells in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.

45 minutes4 servings
Cheese and Hamburger Macaroni

Cheese and Hamburger Macaroni

This macaroni and beef one-skillet dinner is made with melty cheese and seasoned ground beef mixed with macaroni for a quick, easy weeknight dinner.

30 minutes4 servings449 kcal
One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

This cheesy beef and shells recipe is a comforting and simple ground beef pasta with a silky cheese sauce. It's super easy to make all in one pot for less cleanup!

30 minutes4 servings692 kcal
The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

This is not your traditional mac and cheese. This recipe calls for egg noodles instead of macaroni and the cheeses are a mix of fontina, parmesan, and mozzarella. This is comfort food at its finest and you can add ham to make it a main dish or to add extra flavor.

45 minutes6 servings
Cheesy Egg Noodles

Cheesy Egg Noodles

It doesn't get simpler or more delicious than these cheesy egg noodles! Bake egg noodles in a creamy cheese sauce for an easy dinner!

35 minutes6 servings510 kcal
Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet

This delicious Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet is bursting with flavor and is so easy to make! This easy skillet recipe comes together in a flash and is made in a single skillet for easy clean-up. One of our favorite easy weeknight dinners!

30 minutes6 servings483 kcal
Big Mac Potato Skillet

Big Mac Potato Skillet

This Big Mac Potato Skillet Meal is an easy weeknight dinner recipe!

30 minutes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Ready to ditch the box and whip up a homemade Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet that's infinitely more flavorful and satisfying? This recipe delivers ultimate comfort food, fresher and better than any pre-packaged meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. You'll have a hearty, comforting meal on the table in about 30 minutes.

What sets this Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet apart is the thoughtful combination of rich 85% lean ground round, savory beef stock, and a hint of smoked paprika, creating a depth of flavor that a boxed meal simply can't touch. The robust seasonings like Italian seasoning and garlic powder elevate the humble ground beef, while the inclusion of 3.5 cups of fresh spinach adds a welcome touch of green, making it a complete meal.

Prepare for a deeply savory and wonderfully cheesy experience. You'll find tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, meaty sauce, brightened by the subtle bite of cooked onion and the aromatic notes of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. The generous amount of sharp cheddar provides that irresistible, gooey finish, making every forkful a celebration of classic comfort. This skillet meal offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Easily adapt this cheesy beef and macaroni recipe to your pantry and preferences. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground round for a leaner option. Feel free to use a different cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for varying melt and flavor. If you're not a fan of spinach, frozen peas or corn could be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking.

This hearty skillet meal is a fantastic stand-alone entrée for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend family dinner. Serve it as is, or with a simple green salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions