Save A hearty, comforting skillet dish featuring tender BBQ pork ribs, creamy macaroni, and a tangy barbecue sauce, all baked together for irresistible flavor.
This dish reminds me of chilly evenings when the smell of barbecue and melted cheese filled the kitchen, bringing everyone together for a cozy meal.
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)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded
- Mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g), shredded
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Sliced green onions: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and bell pepper for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add Meat and Season:
- Stir in the shredded rib meat, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Add Sauce:
- Add the barbecue sauce and chicken broth; mix well and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and half the cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella on top.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Save This was always a dinner my family requested after long weekends, gathering around the skillet and joking about whose serving had the cheesiest top.
Required Tools
Large oven-safe skillet, saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, grater, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), gluten (macaroni), and may contain allergens in barbecue sauce (check label for soy, wheat, or mustard). Contains pork.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 640, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 70 g, Protein: 34 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy this rib macaroni skillet straight from the oven with a sprinkle of parsley. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different meat instead of pork ribs?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or jackfruit make excellent alternatives while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella gives a nice balance of flavor and meltiness.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?
Cook the macaroni just until al dente, then drain thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.
- → Can I add more spice to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding hot sauce or chipotle peppers will give it a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering the smoky barbecue flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this one-pot style?
Yes, sautéing the vegetables, meat, and sauce in the skillet before combining with macaroni streamlines the process with minimal cleanup.