Who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy comfort meal that comes together in no time?
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is your go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal but don’t want the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
With juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy, cheesy goodness, this one-pan wonder will be a hit with the whole family!
Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting appeal of macaroni.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Macaroni pasta: Use your favorite brand of elbow macaroni or small shell pasta.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese works best for a creamy texture, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.
- Milk and broth: For a rich and creamy sauce.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Optional add-ons: Diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, or chopped pickles for that authentic cheeseburger taste.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook the pasta: Add the macaroni to the skillet along with milk and beef broth. Stir to combine, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it cheesy: Reduce the heat to low, add the shredded cheese, and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or extra cheese and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can make the sauce clumpy. For the smoothest results, shred cheese from a block.
- Balance the flavors: Add a splash of ketchup or a teaspoon of mustard to mimic the tangy flavor of a cheeseburger.
- Customize to your taste: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Variations to Try
Take your cheeseburger macaroni skillet to the next level with these creative variations:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Macaroni: Use pepper jack cheese and toss in diced jalapeños.
- Kid-Friendly Twist: Mix in diced hot dogs or a splash of barbecue sauce for a fun and tasty upgrade.
Serving and Storing
- Serving: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also top it with diced pickles or a drizzle of ketchup for added flair. You can find our side dishes here.
- Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
FAQ’s
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking the pasta. Check it for doneness around the 10-minute mark and remove from heat as soon as it’s tender.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper
Optional:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- ¼ cup chopped pickles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir in the macaroni pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
- Optional add-ins: Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, or chopped pickles for extra flavor, if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!