Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet. This beloved dish, packed with savory ground beef, vibrant diced tomatoes, a medley of seasonings, and, of course, an abundance of gooey cheese, is a true testament to delicious simplicity. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pan wonder brings warmth and flavor to every plate. Get ready to rediscover a classic comfort food, made effortlessly in your kitchen.

The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet: A Quick & Comforting Family Favorite

There’s a special place in our hearts for comfort food, especially those nostalgic dishes that transport us back to simpler times. This beefy, cheesy macaroni skillet stands out as a timeless favorite for good reason. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience – hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying. Beyond its incredible flavor, its ease of preparation makes it a weeknight hero. You can whip up a generous batch in a single skillet, ensuring there are plenty of delicious leftovers for quick lunches or another cozy dinner. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.

Why This Cheesy Macaroni Skillet Will Be Your New Go-To

In a world full of complex recipes, sometimes all you crave is something unfussy yet incredibly flavorful. This Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet delivers on all fronts. It’s a one-pan meal (after cooking the pasta separately, of course!) which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that appeals to everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for potlucks, or simply looking for a satisfying meal that stores well, this skillet recipe is consistently a winner. Its adaptability also means you can easily customize it to your family’s preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

While this macaroni skillet is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a fresh side can elevate the dining experience and add valuable nutrients. Consider these delicious accompaniments:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the macaroni skillet. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like tender roasted broccoli, perfectly crisp asparagus, or sweet glazed carrots add a wonderful texture and boost of vitamins.
• Classic Garlic Bread: No comfort food meal is complete without a side of warm, buttery Garlic Bread. Its savory crunch is the perfect complement for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
• Homemade Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, serve with a slice of moist and delicious Homemade Cornbread.
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple, steamed green beans tossed with a pat of butter and a pinch of salt are an easy and healthy addition.

Key Ingredients for Your Cheesy Macaroni Skillet

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this macaroni skillet truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for selection:

• Macaroni Noodles: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for its shape, which perfectly cradles the cheesy sauce. You’ll want about 2 cups of dry macaroni, cooked al dente. Don’t overcook them, as they’ll continue to soften slightly in the skillet.
• Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (around 90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess fat. This allows you to skip the draining step, making the cooking process even quicker and ensuring all the savory beef flavor stays in the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, Italian seasoning adds a classic Mediterranean depth to the beef. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can use individual herbs.
• Dried Onion Flakes (Optional): These small flakes of dried onion rehydrate and infuse the dish with a subtle, sweet onion flavor without the need for chopping. If you prefer fresh onion, finely dice half a small onion and sauté it with the ground beef.
• Diced Tomatoes: A 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes provides a burst of fresh, tangy flavor and chunks of tomato goodness. Italian-style diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano are an excellent choice for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Tomato Soup: Creamy tomato soup, such as PROGRESSO™ Tomato with Parmesan, adds a smooth, rich base to the sauce, contributing to its comforting texture and taste. Make sure it’s condensed or adjust liquid if using ready-to-serve.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! You’ll need about 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Medium or sharp cheddar works best for a distinct cheesy flavor. Shredding your own cheese from a block will always melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Olive Oil: Essential for browning the ground beef and helping to meld the flavors.
• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water, which is a crucial step to ensure your macaroni itself is flavorful.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Cheesy Macaroni Skillet

Creating this delicious Cheesy Macaroni Skillet is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Follow these instructions closely for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Noodles

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling vigorously, add a generous tablespoon of salt to the water. This is a crucial step that seasons the pasta from within, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish. Next, add your 2 cups of elbow macaroni noodles. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it reaches the ‘al dente’ stage – meaning it’s firm to the bite but not hard. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the skillet, so aim for perfectly cooked noodles. Once al dente, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Season

While your macaroni is cooking, heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution) over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, add the pound of lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Immediately stir in the Italian seasoning. This allows the herbs to bloom in the hot oil and infuse the beef with their aromatic flavors. If you’re using dried minced onion flakes, add them now as well, stirring them into the beef mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Onion Flakes (Optional)

Continue stirring and cooking the ground beef until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Since we are using lean ground beef, you likely won’t need to drain any fat, which keeps all the delicious flavor within the dish. If you opted for fresh diced onion, ensure it is softened and translucent at this stage.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Once the ground beef is thoroughly cooked, open and add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine. The acidity of the tomatoes will add a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich beef. Next, pour in the can of tomato soup and stir until everything is smoothly incorporated and heated through.

Step 5: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Now for the cheesy goodness! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and tomato mixture. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and creamy, transforming the sauce into a smooth, flavorful base. This initial addition ensures every bite of the macaroni will be imbued with cheesy flavor.

Step 6: Combine with Macaroni

Finally, add the cooked and drained macaroni noodles to the skillet. Gently fold them into the cheesy beef and tomato sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated. This step brings all the elements together into a cohesive, comforting dish.

Step 7: Heat Through and Garnish

Give the entire mixture a final gentle stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the skillet to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is thoroughly warmed through and bubbling gently. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni. For an optional fresh touch and a hint of color, garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Your Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet is now ready to be devoured! Serve hot and watch it disappear. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This cheesy macaroni skillet is fantastic as leftovers! To store, allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger quantities, transfer to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop in a skillet, adding a little liquid if needed.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this macaroni skillet recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it your own:

• Add More Vegetables: If your family loves green peppers, diced carrots, or even corn, definitely add them to this dish! Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the ground beef to boost the veggie content.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the soup.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season them well.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the tomato soup for an even richer, creamier sauce.

Craving More Delicious Skillet & Comfort Food Recipes?

If you loved this Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet, you’re in for a treat! Explore more comforting and easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Instant Pot Kielbasa Macaroni and Cheese
• Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Pizza Skillet Dip
• BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
• Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese
• Homemade Velveeta
• KFC Mac and Cheese
• Taco Mac and Cheese
• Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
• Homemade Beefaroni

Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet

This incredibly easy and cheesy macaroni skillet is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory ground beef, diced tomatoes, and rich seasonings with an abundance of melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying family meal.

5 from 1 vote

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Cook Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Servings:
4

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 2
  cups
  macaroni noodles
  measured before cooking
• 2
  tablespoon
  olive oil
• 1
  pound
  lean ground beef
• 1
  tablespoon
  Italian seasoning
• 1
  tablespoon
  onion flakes
  optional
• 1
  can diced tomatoes
  (Italian style with garlic, basil & oregano)
• 1
  can PROGRESSO™ Tomato with Parmesan soup
• 2
  cups
  shredded cheddar cheese
  divided use

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add in a tablespoon of salt to boiling water.
2. Then add in 2 cups elbow macaroni. Cook macaroni until al dente then drain.
3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 tbsp. olive oil and add in ground beef.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning and minced onion flakes (if using.)
5. Stir beef while cooking, making sure to break up the meat as it cooks. You won’t need to drain any fat since we are using lean ground beef.
6. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, add in diced tomatoes.
7. Then stir in PROGRESSO™ Tomato with Parmesan soup.
8. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Finally, stir in cooked macaroni noodles.
10. Give it all a gentle stir and cook on medium-low heat until it’s all warmed through.
11. Then turn off heat and sprinkle with the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese and top with sliced green onion (optional.)

Notes

If your family loves green pepper, definitely add it to this dish. Just add them in while cooking the ground beef.

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Calories:
600
kcal

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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