Name: One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 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 you crave hearty comfort food that comes together quickly, One-Pot Macaroni and Beef is the weeknight dinner of your dreams. This classic, family-friendly meal delivers saucy noodles, savory ground beef, and veggies in a single skillet—easy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Cleanup: The entire One-Pot Macaroni and Beef comes together in a single skillet—washing up is a breeze!
Super Fast & Satisfying: It’s ready in about 30 minutes and is guaranteed to fill you up with cozy, savory flavors.
Kid-Tested Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters go wild for the cheesy noodles and perfectly seasoned beef.
Classic Comfort Ingredients: Simple pantry staples blend together into a meal that tastes just like home.

One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pot Macaroni and Beef is all about straightforward ingredients that you probably have on hand. Each one plays an important role—bringing robust flavor, hearty texture, or bright color to your dinner table.

Ground beef: Lean or regular beef delivers rich, meaty flavor as the foundation of this dish.
Chopped onion: Sweated with the beef for mellow sweetness and aromatic depth.
Tomato sauce: Adds tangy body, unifying the pasta and beef in a luscious, savory sauce.
Water: Helps cook the macaroni right in the skillet, so the noodles soak up every bit of flavor.
Macaroni: Elbow-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto saucy goodness—classic and comforting!
Chopped green pepper: Provides a little crunch and a pop of color, plus a hint of earthy zest.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash deepens the savory notes and boosts umami.
Salt + pepper: Simple seasonings that bring the whole skillet together.

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

The beauty of One-Pot Macaroni and Beef is how flexible it is—swap ingredients to fit your cravings or whatever you have in your fridge and pantry. It’s the perfect recipe for making it your own!

Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a cup or two of shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for extra creaminess and cheesy pull.
Veggie Boost: Add carrots, spinach, corn, or mushrooms along with the green pepper for bonus flavor and nutrition.
Turkey or Chicken Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist with the same cozy factor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like things zippy.

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your largest, sturdiest skillet (with a lid if you have one) and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and scatter the chopped onions on top. Cook, breaking the beef up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and the onion is soft—no raw bits peeking through! Once done, carefully drain any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy sauce.

Step 2: Add Everything Else

With the beef and onions ready, pour in the tomato sauce, water, dry macaroni, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix the ingredients evenly—don’t worry if the mixture looks thin; the pasta will soak it all up soon!

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let your One-Pot Macaroni and Beef bubble away for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. If it starts to look dry, splash in a bit more water. You’ll know it’s done when the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Macaroni and Beef

Choose the Right Skillet: Use a heavy-bottomed pan that’s wide enough for everything to simmer evenly—this helps avoid sticking and scorching.
Let the Pasta Absorb Flavor: Resist the urge to pre-cook the macaroni! Letting it simmer with the sauce infuses every bite with rich tomato and beefy goodness.
Veggie Chop Size Matters: Dice your green peppers small for faster cooking and sweet bits in every bite; larger pieces can end up too crunchy by the end.
Customize the Consistency: Prefer it extra saucy? Stir in a little extra tomato sauce or water at the end. For thicker “casserole-style,” simply simmer uncovered for 3-4 more minutes.

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni and Beef

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or scallions brightens up the hearty bowl, while a handful of grated parmesan or cheddar melts beautifully into the hot pasta for a little luxury. For a dash of heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes always hits the spot!

Side Dishes

This dish is perfectly comforting all by itself, but it pairs so well with a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or classic garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. Roasted broccoli or buttery corn kernels also make crowd-pleasing companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving One-Pot Macaroni and Beef in individual oven-safe bowls, topped with extra cheese and briefly broiled for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, veggie-packed twist—just bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is piping hot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your One-Pot Macaroni and Beef cool to room temperature, then scoop any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days—making it perfect for easy lunches or a cozy repeat dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Just portion into freezer-safe containers (or zip-top bags, laid flat), seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. This brings the sauciness back to life and prevents the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Macaroni and Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the entire dish a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge, then just reheat with a splash of water when ready to enjoy—it tastes even better as the flavors meld together.
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking time—they might take a few minutes more or less than classic elbow macaroni.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, or use lentils or chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Be sure to use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce if you want it fully meat-free.
How do I prevent the macaroni from getting mushy?

The key is to simmer gently and check for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. Stir regularly, and as soon as the macaroni is tender but firm (al dente), take it off heat to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, this One-Pot Macaroni and Beef truly delivers. I hope you’ll treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a warm, generous bowl soon. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Macaroni and Beef Recipe