In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a meal that pleases everyone can feel like a daunting task. Enter my Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni—a delightful one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This dish fuses savory ground beef with tender pasta and vibrant vegetables, making it a hit with both picky eaters and those who crave nourishing meals. Perfect for busy families, it’s not only quick to prepare but also easily adaptable, allowing you to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Settle in for a warm bowl of comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is convenient. Are you ready to make dinner time a breeze? Why is this macaroni recipe a winner? Speedy Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Comforting Flavors: The decadence of cheesy pasta paired with savory beef is pure comfort food that your family will love. Customizable Delight: Use your favorite vegetables to make this dish your own; any frozen or fresh veggies work wonders! One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with this simple, one-pan recipe that requires minimal effort. Family-Friendly: It’s designed for picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied. For more quick and delicious meals, check out my Cheesy Rotel Beef or Savory Ground Beef recipes! Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Ingredients For the Beef Base Ground Beef – Provides protein and a savory flavor; substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Onion – Adds aromatic sweetness; use shallots for a milder flavor if preferred. Garlic Powder – Enhances overall flavor; fresh minced garlic is a great substitute. Chili Powder – Introduces mild heat; omit for a non-spicy variation. Salt – Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust based on dietary restrictions. Ground Pepper – Provides a slight kick; substitute with white pepper for a milder taste. For the Cheesy Mixture Milk – Contributes creaminess; use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version. Beef Broth – Adds depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option. Tomato Sauce – Enhances moisture and flavor; enchilada sauce can be an exciting twist. For the Pasta and Veggies Uncooked Macaroni – The primary carbohydrate source; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used. Frozen Mixed Vegetables – Nourishing and convenient; any preferred combination of frozen veggies works wonders. For the Cheesy Topping Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Provides creaminess and flavor; you can mix in mozzarella or any melting cheese for variety. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion In a 12-inch skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily. Step 2: Season the Mixture Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, chili powder, salt, and ground pepper; mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices coat the meat. This step enhances the flavor of your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni, giving it a delightful aroma. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning the spices. Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients Pour in the milk, beef broth, and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Then, add the uncooked macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables directly to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This helps soften the pasta and integrates all the flavors beautifully. Step 4: Simmer to Cook Pasta Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You want the macaroni to be al dente—tender but with a slight bite—before moving to the next step. This will give your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni the perfect texture. Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Touches Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. The cheese will create a creamy and luscious sauce, making the dish irresistible. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese; allow it to sit for a minute so that it melts into a gooey topping. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Gently mix everything together one last time, and your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni is ready to be served. Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy this comforting dish while still warm. Consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that your family will love! Expert Tips for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Cook Thoroughly: Ensure the ground beef is fully browned for maximum flavor before adding other ingredients, avoiding a raw taste in your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni. Stir Frequently: Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the skillet; this ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust Liquid Levels: If you prefer a creamier dish, add a bit more milk and broth as needed; however, if you like it less saucy, reduce the liquid by 1/4 cup. Check Pasta Doneness: Start checking the macaroni around the 8-minute mark; different pasta shapes may require more or less time to reach al dente. Mix Veggies: Get creative with frozen mixed vegetables, but ensure they’re fully thawed before adding them in for an even cook in your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni. Make Ahead Options These Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply sauté the beef and onion, then season and combine with the liquids, but hold off on adding the pasta and cheese. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet and bring it to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked macaroni and frozen vegetables. Finish by stirring in the cheese once the pasta is cooked. This method ensures that your Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni will taste just as delicious as when made fresh! What to Serve with Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Enhance your dining experience with perfect pairings that complement this delicious and hearty dish! Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery treat adds a delightful crunch and garlic flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy macaroni. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and balances the dish’s richness. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, vibrant florets not only add a pop of color but also a nutritious touch, making every bite more wholesome. Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw livens up the meal, providing a delightful interplay of flavors and textures alongside the macaroni. Roasted Vegetables: For an earthy touch, roast seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Their caramelized sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly. Fruit Salad: End the meal on a sweet note with a fresh fruit salad. Juicy bites of pineapple, strawberries, and melons will cleanse your palate. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A bowl of warm soup makes a comforting addition, enhancing the savory-rich flavors of the cheesy beef and veggie macaroni. Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like sparkling water with lime or homemade lemonade keep the meal light and refreshing. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Consider a sweet treat for dessert! Chewy, warm chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to finish this delightful meal. Variations & Substitutions for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Feel free to experiment and make this delightful Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni your own with these simple yet scrumptious variations! Lean Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish that still delivers flavor. This makes for a protein-packed meal that even the littlest eaters will enjoy. Veggie Swap: Incorporate different vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and freshness. Toss in whatever you have in your fridge to create a colorful, veggie-loaded delight! Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free alternative. This little twist maintains the creamy texture while catering to those sensitive to dairy. Flavored Cheese: Mix in mozzarella or gouda with your cheddar cheese for a complex taste. The melty goodness will elevate the dish to new cheesy heights and impress your family! Heat It Up: For those who crave a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. It’s an easy way to spice things up and make dinner exciting. Pasta Variety: Swap the uncooked macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs. This keeps the dish equally satisfying while being mindful of health. Flavor Twist: Consider using enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce for a zesty alternative. This will create a unique flavor profile that your family won’t forget! Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fragrant finish. Simply chop and sprinkle over before serving to brighten up your Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to explore other family favorites like my Italian Beef Sandwich or the ever-popular Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites for more delicious, quick meal ideas! How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and avoid drying out the Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni. Thawing: For optimal results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the texture enjoyable and flavorful. Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni Recipe FAQs What kind of ground beef should I use for this recipe? For this Skillet Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni, I recommend using lean ground beef, like 80/20 or 90/10, for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully too! Can I use different vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! You’re welcome to swap in any frozen or fresh vegetables based on your preferences. I often use a blend of peas, carrots, and corn, but spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can add a delightful twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you use fresh veggies to ensure they’re tender. How should I store leftover Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its creamy texture, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creaminess! Can I freeze Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni? Yes, you can! Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Before freezing, make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. What should I do if my macaroni is undercooked? If you find your macaroni is still a bit firm after the suggested cooking time, don’t worry! Just add a little more broth or water to the skillet and cover it to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta cook thoroughly while absorbing more flavor. Can pets eat this dish? It’s best to keep this Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni away from pets due to the presence of onions, which can be harmful to them. If you want to share some with your furry friends, consider setting aside a portion without the spices or ingredients that could be unsafe. Cheesy Beef and Veggie Macaroni: A Quick Family Favorite A delightful one-pan dish combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy families. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef Base1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option1 medium Onion diced; can use shallots for a milder flavor1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can be used1 teaspoon Chili Powder omit for a non-spicy version1 teaspoon Salt adjust based on dietary restrictions1 teaspoon Ground Pepper substitute with white pepper for a milder tasteFor the Cheesy Mixture1 cup Milk use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option1 cup Beef Broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option15 ounces Tomato Sauce enchilada sauce can be a twistFor the Pasta and Veggies2 cups Uncooked Macaroni whole wheat or gluten-free can be used2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables any combination of frozen veggies worksFor the Cheesy Topping2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese can mix in mozzarella for variety Equipment 12-inch skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Beef and Veggie MacaroniIn a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and ground pepper; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Pour in milk, beef broth, and tomato sauce; then add macaroni and mixed vegetables. Stir and bring to a rapid boil for 3-5 minutes.Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until macaroni is al dente.Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese until melted. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.Mix everything together and serve warm, pairing with a side salad or garlic bread. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months and reheat gently. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
