Name: Macaroni and Beef Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce; 1 cup water; 1 package (7 ounces) macaroni; 1/2 cup chopped green pepper; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

If there ever was a dish that spells comfort in a single bite, it’s Macaroni and Beef! A beloved one-pot wonder that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is pure weeknight magic for families and hungry crowds alike. You won’t believe how something so cozy and flavorful can come together so quickly—and with such everyday ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Flavor: This dish boasts a blend of beefy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that pleases even the pickiest eaters—kids and adults alike scrape their bowls clean!
One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so there’s minimal cleanup and maximum ease, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Macaroni and Beef goes from pantry to table in half an hour, ideal when you need something hearty and satisfying—fast.
Customizable for Any Taste: It’s super easy to adapt this recipe with whatever veggies, seasonings, or pasta shapes you have on hand, so dinner never gets boring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Macaroni and Beef is just how down-to-earth and accessible the ingredients are. Each one has a special job—whether it’s giving the sauce its deep, tomato-y heart, packing in protein, or adding that tender bite of pasta everyone craves. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ground beef (1-1/2 pounds): Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and just enough richness; it’s meaty, hearty, and browns up beautifully.
Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweet, savory undertones and a bit of texture that transforms the whole skillet.
Tomato sauce (2 cans, 8 ounces each): The backbone of the sauce—smooth, tangy, and perfect for enveloping pasta.
Water (1 cup): Helps the macaroni cook right in the savory tomato-beef blend, soaking up those delicious flavors.
Macaroni (7-ounce package): Classic elbows hold onto all the saucy goodness and create that cozy, nostalgic bite.
Chopped green pepper (1/2 cup): Adds color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness that pops against the beef and sauce.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): This secret umami booster rounds out the sauce and makes everything taste deeper and richer.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out and enhancing every savory note in the dish.
Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the right hint of warmth to balance the tomatoes and beef.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the greatest joys of Macaroni and Beef is just how flexible it can be! Whether you’re clearing out the fridge, cooking for special diets, or simply craving a twist, here are a few easy ways to make this classic your own without any fuss:

Make it Cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella toward the end for extra creaminess and a melty finish.
Boost the Veggies: Toss in diced carrots, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for more color, nutrition, and texture.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter touch, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken—just as hearty, but a bit leaner.
Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

How to Make Macaroni and Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your largest skillet or a roomy Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the beef loses its pinkness and the onion is translucent and fragrant, carefully drain off any excess fat with a spoon or blot with paper towels. This step sets the savory base for all that’s to come.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Next, add the tomato sauce, water, uncooked macaroni, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper right into the skillet. Give everything a hearty stir—making sure the pasta is tucked down in the liquid and all well combined. This is where the magic starts to build, with ingredients mingling and the aroma starting to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the entire skillet up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring here and there to keep the macaroni from sticking. If the mixture seems too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash more water as needed. Once the macaroni is perfectly al dente and saucy, dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Making Macaroni and Beef

Choose the Right Skillet: Use a roomy, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to allow plenty of space for simmering—this helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
Let the Pasta Absorb Flavor: Resist the urge to precook the macaroni! Adding it uncooked means it soaks up every drop of tomato and beef flavor as it simmers.
Taste and Adjust: Some like it saucier, some thicker—add a bit more water or simmer uncovered at the end to achieve your dream consistency.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire: This ingredient lifts the whole dish, adding complexity—if you have extra, a splash more never hurts!

How to Serve Macaroni and Beef

Garnishes

For finishing touches, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for color and a pop of freshness. You can’t go wrong with an extra handful of shredded cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little bite. Even a swirl of sour cream makes each bowl feel extra cozy and special!

Side Dishes

Macaroni and Beef loves partnerships! Serve it with a crisp green salad (a balsamic vinaigrette is perfect), warm garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even classic buttered corn to round out your plate with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Macaroni and Beef into mini cast iron pans or colorful bowls at a party—top with cheese and broil for a bubbly finish. Or, fill halved bell peppers with the mixture and bake for an easy twist on stuffed peppers. Individual ramekins also make this feel like a restaurant-style treat, even when shared around the family table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers tucked in an airtight container in the fridge—this dish stays fresh and tasty for up to four days. The flavors marry further overnight, and you’ll likely find it even more flavorful the next day!

Freezing

Macaroni and Beef freezes like a dream! Spoon cooled leftovers into freezer-friendly bags or containers for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a bit of space at the top for expansion and label with the date so you can find it later.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it looks a little thick. You can also warm single servings in the microwave—cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating. Add your favorite fresh garnish and dig in!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in Macaroni and Beef?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use other short cuts like penne, rotini, or shells. Just keep in mind that different shapes may require a slight adjustment in simmering time to reach tender perfection.
How can I make Macaroni and Beef gluten-free?

It’s easy! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be sure to check at the 15-minute mark, as some varieties cook faster and can become mushy if simmered too long. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free.
What’s the best way to add more vegetables to this recipe?

Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, small broccoli florets, or a drained can of corn right along with the bell peppers. Leafy greens like spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes for extra nutrition and color.
Is it possible to double Macaroni and Beef for a crowd?

You bet! This recipe scales up beautifully. Use a large Dutch oven or soup pot and simply double all ingredients. The simmering time may increase slightly—just make sure the pasta is tender and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a meal that’s simple, hearty, and absolutely packed with comfort, you can never go wrong with Macaroni and Beef. It’s the perfect fridge-friendly, family-favorite recipe for any day you crave something warm and filling. I hope it becomes a staple at your table, too—enjoy every delicious bite!

Macaroni and Beef Recipe