Skillet Macaroni Dinner
A hearty skillet macaroni dish with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, and flavorful spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese—perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 c. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can pitted ripe olives, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large cook and serve skillet, heat salad oil over medium heat and cook ground chuck until browned.
- Add chopped onions, canned tomatoes, corn, and elbow macaroni to the skillet and cook, covered, for 30 minutes or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chili powder, garlic salt, and drained, quartered olives if using.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the mixture and heat, covered, for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve in the skillet.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or jalapeños to the skillet along with the onions. You can substitute ground turkey for ground chuck for a leaner option. If you prefer a creamier macaroni dish, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream before serving. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes that emphasize hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Skillet Macaroni Dinner with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Miss Daisy'S Beef Casserole for a comforting family dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top right before serving can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Macaroni Dinner contains roughly 254 calories, with 14g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% 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?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before adding the cheese.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it entirely. Consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian dish.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Yes, this Skillet Macaroni Dinner freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave.
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).