Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet

Warm, hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich homemade flavor, this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Skillet is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Combining tender macaroni pasta, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, this one-pan meal delivers everything people love about classic homemade comfort cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Place the ground beef into the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and optional chili flakes. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the seasonings.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together until fully combined. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet. Mix well so the pasta becomes coated in the sauce.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the rich beef and tomato flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
6. Once the macaroni is fully cooked and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce, sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely into a gooey golden layer.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, or extra shredded cheese if desired.

Serve warm while the cheese is still melted and creamy. This cheesy beef and macaroni skillet pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or warm dinner rolls. Enjoy!