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 to impress my family on a cool weekend night. The blend of smoky pork, creamy cheese, and zesty sauce instantly became a requested favorite 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 (optional): 2 tbsp
- Sliced green onions: For garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Cook Macaroni:
- 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 Rib Meat and Season:
- Stir in the shredded rib meat, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Simmer with Sauce:
- Add the barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Mix well and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Combine and Top:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and half the cheddar cheese until evenly combined. 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.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Save This dish quickly brought everyone to the kitchen, eagerly waiting to dig in after smelling the barbecue aroma as it baked. It's now one of those recipes my kids request when they want something cheesy and satisfying for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this skillet meal with a crunchy green salad or fresh coleslaw for balance and added crunch. Warm cornbread is another great side for soaking up extra sauce.
Substitutions
Swap in rotisserie chicken or jackfruit for the pork ribs if you like. Try Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella, or add hot sauce if you want more heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 640 calories, 25 g fat, 70 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein. Nutrition values will vary based on your sauce and cheese choices.
Save BBQ rib macaroni skillet is the best way to enjoy smoky, saucy ribs with cheesy pasta all in one bite. Make it your own and share with those you love.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you effectively shred the pork ribs for this dish?
Remove the cooked meat from the bone and pull it apart gently using two forks for tender, bite-sized shreds that blend well with the pasta.
- → Can the elbow macaroni be substituted with another pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like penne or shells work well as they hold sauce and mix evenly with the other ingredients.
- → What is the purpose of smoked paprika in this dish?
Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky depth and subtle heat that complements the barbecue flavors without overpowering them.
- → How do you prevent the cheese from becoming too oily when baking?
Use a balance of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and bake until just bubbly and golden to avoid excess oil separation.
- → What garnishes enhance the finished dish best?
Fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavors in the skillet.
- → Can this skillet be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ingredients beforehand and refrigerate. Bake before serving to ensure melty cheese and hot filling.