Tomato Mac with Shells
Hi, I’m Brooke! You have probably seen me on Social Media as Meals and Munchies. I’m a busy stay at home mom who loves sharing easy, family-friendly meals that come together fast—because let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for complicated. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or just trying to get dinner on the table after work without a fuss, you’re in the right place. Meals and Munchies is where I share real-life recipes that are quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Easy recipes for every day life- let’s get cooking!One pot, one pan, no problem. These are the kind of meals that make cleanup a breeze and still taste like you spent hours cooking dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner to be quick, hearty, and hassle-free—without a sink full of dishes afterward.This Tomato Mac with Shells is the ultimate one-pot comfort food! Made with just four simple ingredients, this easy dinner brings together tender pasta shells, hearty ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheddar cheese for a cozy, family-friendly meal. Everything cooks in one pot — no need to boil pasta separately — making cleanup a breeze. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that’s budget-friendly, filling, and packed with nostalgic flavor, like a mix between homemade Hamburger Helper and classic beefy macaroni. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple go-to recipe for busy nights, this one-pot Tomato Macaroni and Beef will be a hit every time. Serve it straight from the skillet and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 24 oz jar Marinara
- 4 cups Water
- 16 oz box Medium Pasta Shells
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your preferred spices.
- Pour in one jar of marinara sauce, then fill the empty jar with 4 cups of water, shaking it to get all the sauce out. Add that water to the pot and stir to combine.
- Once the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the box of dried shells. Turn the heat down slightly and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- To melt: cover and let sit for a few minutes. To brown: place under the broiler for about 2 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, then serve hot. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of cozy flavor!
My family loves this meal!
julie.marie1025
Omg this is so yummy . Thank you for making your recipes do easy and simple to follow. Ot taking to fast so its very understandable. I love your content and the fact I can just go back to your website and find something easy to make and always very tasty. This is a family favorite 😍 @flowergirl4202022