Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pot Tomato Beef Macaroni Skillet — A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Quick, comforting, and family-friendly — this One-Pot Tomato Beef Macaroni Skillet makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1pound lean ground beef
  • ½ teaspoongarlic powder
  • 2 teaspoonsdried minced onion (or½small onion, finely chopped)
  • 1can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1can (10 ounces) tomato soup
  • 1 ½ cupsuncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cupswater (or broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 ½ tablespoonsWorcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoonsbrown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoonsalt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoonblack pepper, or to tast

Instructions

  1. 1. Sauté the Beef and Seasonings
  2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried onion. Stir well to mix the flavors.
  5. If needed, drain any excess fat before continuing.
  6. 2. Create the Tomato Base
  7. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato soup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet.
  8. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
  9. 3. Add the Pasta
  10. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
  11. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
  12. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  13. 4. Simmer Until Tender
  14. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes.
  15. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  16. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a few tablespoons of water or broth.
  17. 5. Finish and Serve
  18. When the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the lid and stir everything once more.
  19. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  20. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
  21. Optional Add-Ins
  22. Add ½ cup frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes for color and sweetness.
  23. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar before serving for a creamy twist.
  24. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick
  • Author: Chef mia