Beef-A-Roni(A Skillet Meal; Large Skillet)
A hearty skillet meal combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and vegetables, topped with melted cheeses. Perfect for a quick, flavorful family dinner or comfort food craving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 small can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic or garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 small box macaroni ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- American or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions.
- While macaroni is cooking, brown ground beef in oil in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, dried oregano, basil, parsley, minced garlic or garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and 1 cup water to the beef mixture. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and other cheese over the beef and macaroni mixture.
- Cover the skillet, turn off heat, and let stand for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. You can also add additional vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for more nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed veggies can be great substitutes. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using canned tomatoes that may already contain salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef-A-Roni hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a twist, serve alongside a side of Mushroom Fondue Sauce for dipping or drizzle over the top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef-A-Roni(A Skillet Meal; Large Skillet) contains roughly 505 calories, with 16g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (196% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), and calcium (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to package directions to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To give your Beef-A-Roni a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Beef-A-Roni up to the point of adding the cooked macaroni. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then reheat on the stovetop and add the macaroni just before serving. This is a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).