Pin 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 after a family barbecue & it quickly became a favorite weeknight dinner for everyone. The combination of smoky rib meat and creamy cheese sauce is always a hit at our table.
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, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Ingredients:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sauté the red onion and bell pepper for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add Meat & Seasonings:
- Stir in the shredded rib meat, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Mix In Sauce:
- Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Mix well and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Combine With Macaroni:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and half the cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
- Add Cheese & Bake:
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Pin My kids love helping sprinkle the cheese over the skillet before it bakes, and we always laugh as we watch the cheese get bubbly together when it comes out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance out the rich flavors. Garlic bread or cornbread makes a delicious side, too!
Recipe Variations
Use any leftover pulled pork in place of ribs, swap in shredded chicken for a lighter version, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 640 calories, 25g total fat, 70g carbohydrates, and 34g protein. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
Pin This BBQ rib macaroni skillet is a comforting meal you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What cut of pork works best for this skillet?
Using cooked pork ribs with meat removed ensures tender, flavorful pieces that blend well without drying out.
- → Can I substitute the macaroni pasta?
Yes, elbow macaroni is traditional, but small pasta shapes like shells or penne also hold the sauce nicely.
- → How can I add spice to this dish?
Including hot sauce or chipotle peppers enhances the smoky sauce with a spicy kick if desired.
- → What cheese types complement this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melt nicely, providing both sharpness and creamy texture to the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, replace ribs with jackfruit or other meat alternatives for similar texture and flavor.
- → What cooking tools are required?
A large oven-safe skillet is essential for sautéing and baking; other tools include a saucepan, knife, and grater.