Save A hearty comforting skillet dish featuring tender BBQ pork ribs creamy macaroni and a tangy barbecue sauce all baked together for irresistible flavor.
I first made this BBQ Rib Macaroni Skillet on a chilly weeknight when we had leftover ribs after a family cookout. Combining those tender rib pieces with creamy macaroni and tangy sauce quickly became a dinner hit everyone devoured.
Ingredients
- Cooked pork ribs: 1 lb (450 g) meat removed from the bone and shredded
- Elbow macaroni: 10 oz (280 g)
- Red onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Barbecue sauce: 1 1/4 cups (300 ml)
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions: (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni:
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat sauté onion and bell pepper 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic cook 1 minute more.
- Combine rib meat and seasonings:
- Stir in shredded rib meat smoked paprika black pepper and salt. Warm through 2 minutes.
- Add sauce:
- Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth mix well and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Combine with cheese:
- Fold in cooked macaroni and half the cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
- Top and bake:
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar and all mozzarella on top.
- Bake:
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and green onions.
Save This BBQ Rib Macaroni Skillet always brings back memories of gathering around the table for casual family dinners. Everyone piles their plates generously and there are rarely any leftovers.
Required Tools
Large oven-safe skillet saucepan chefs knife cutting board grater measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 640. Total Fat: 25 g. Carbohydrates: 70 g. Protein: 34 g.
Notes
Substitute rotisserie chicken or jackfruit for different protein. Add a touch of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with green salad or coleslaw as a side for a balanced meal.
Save This comforting BBQ Rib Macaroni Skillet is true crowd-pleaser ready to be enjoyed with your favorite sides. Everyone comes back for seconds every time.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I substitute the pork ribs with another protein?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or jackfruit work well as alternatives and offer different flavor profiles.
- → How should I cook the macaroni for best results?
Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain well, and mix with the sauce before baking to ensure even cooking.
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses adds creamy texture and a golden crust after baking.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a dash of hot sauce or chipotle peppers can add a spicy kick to the smoky flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep and reheating?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
- → What are good side options to serve with this skillet?
Fresh green salad or tangy coleslaw complement the rich and creamy skillet nicely.