Skillet Beef And Mac
A hearty skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender corn, and cheesy pasta in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it offers comforting flavors with a touch of Italian flair, appealing to families and anyone craving a satisfying, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. lean ground beef (85% lean) ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning or dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked corkscrew macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Sliced tomato for garnish (optional) ⓘ
- Fresh oregano for garnish (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and Italian seasoning until the beef is browned, stirring to separate the meat.
- Pour off any excess fat.
- Add the condensed tomato soup, water, and frozen corn to the skillet.
- Heat the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the corn is tender.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and heat through.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, then garnish with sliced tomatoes and fresh oregano if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the skillet when cooking the beef. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the tomato soup with cream or a cheese sauce. Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added freshness, top each serving with sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh oregano. If you're looking for more hearty options, try serving alongside Hamburger Cheese Bake or Vegetable And Beef Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Beef And Mac contains roughly 716 calories, with 19g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1191mg per serving (52% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While corkscrew macaroni is recommended for its texture, you can easily substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole grain options for added nutrition.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the beef. You can also mix in jalapeños or diced green chiles for a flavorful kick that complements the dish well.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that your tomato soup is certified gluten-free. Additionally, check any seasoning mixes for gluten-containing ingredients to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).