Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mashup—savory ground beef, tender pasta, and creamy, cheesy sauce all cooked in one pan. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and tastes like a homemade version of the classic boxed favorite—only better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan = easy cleanup
• Made with real, wholesome ingredients
• Quick and satisfying weeknight meal
• Kid-approved and nostalgic
• Creamy, cheesy, beefy flavor in every bite
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• More flavorful than boxed versions
• Easily customizable
• Great for leftovers
• Budget-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
• Beef broth or water
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Tomato paste or ketchup
• Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil or butter. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in garlic, tomato paste or ketchup, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add uncooked pasta and pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
• Add chopped pickles or a dash of pickle juice for classic cheeseburger flavor
• Stir in cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, American, or pepper jack
• Add sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing is possible, but texture may change slightly upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to cook the pasta in the skillet so it absorbs all the flavor, but you can stir in cooked pasta at the end if preferred.

Is this like Hamburger Helper?

Yes, it’s a homemade version with better taste and real ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just reheat gently and add a little liquid to maintain the creamy texture.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but a mix of cheeses works well too.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Try peas, diced tomatoes, spinach, or chopped zucchini.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Don’t overcook the pasta, and add a bit of extra milk or broth if needed.

Can I use plant-based meat?

Yes, vegetarian ground meat substitutes work just as well.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth and other ingredients for gluten-free labels.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.

What side dishes go well with this?

Try a green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is a quick, hearty, and delicious one-pan meal that brings all the comfort of a cheeseburger and the ease of a pasta skillet. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy—and it’s way better than anything from a box.

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