Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet (30 Min)

This one-skillet dinner takes the flavors of a cheeseburger — beef, cheddar, ketchup, and pickles — and turns them into a creamy, saucy macaroni dish. Everything cooks together in a single pan, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in about half an hour. It's the kind of comforting, kid-friendly meal that also works well as leftovers.

Ground beef and macaroni simmer together in a cheesy, cheeseburger-flavored sauce for an easy one-skillet dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 30 minutes (10 min prep, 20 min cook)
• Simple: 14 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 4 servings
• Light: about 450 calories per serving

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
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the beef broth and milk, add the uncooked macaroni, then bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
4. Lower the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and creamy, adding a splash more milk if it's too thick.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, or chopped pickles if you'd like extra flavor.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers so it cooks evenly and doesn't stick.
• Add the cheese off the heat or on low so the sauce stays smooth instead of greasy.
• Taste before serving and adjust the ketchup or mustard to your liking.

Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef.
• Swap cheddar for a Mexican blend or Colby jack for a different flavor.
• Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for a lighter version.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with extra pickles or a drizzle of ketchup for more cheeseburger flavor.
• Serve with a side salad to balance the richness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal

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