Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet: One-Pan Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinner

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet: The ultimate comfort food mashup is here, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Forget choosing between a juicy cheeseburger and creamy macaroni and cheese; now you can have both in one glorious, family-friendly skillet. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a nostalgic trip back to childhood, reimagined for the modern palate.

While the exact origins of this delightful dish are shrouded in mystery, its appeal is undeniable. It cleverly combines two American classics, each with its own rich history. Macaroni and cheese, with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, found its way into American hearts and homes centuries ago. The cheeseburger, a symbol of American ingenuity and fast-food culture, emerged in the early 20th century. Marrying these two powerhouses was a stroke of genius, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes this Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef, the tangy cheese sauce, and the perfectly cooked macaroni create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. It’s also incredibly convenient. Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a chore. This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it a winner for busy families. Plus, who can resist the comforting, cheesy goodness that defines both macaroni and cheese and a classic cheeseburger? Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• Optional toppings: chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard

Preparing the Ground Beef and Aromatics

1. First, grab a large skillet – I like to use a cast iron skillet for this, but any large skillet will do. Place it over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent the final dish from being too greasy. I usually tilt the skillet and carefully spoon out the grease, but you can also use a colander.
4. Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook the onion until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
5. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Creating the Sauce

1. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) into the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.
2. Add the condensed cheddar cheese soup. This is what gives the dish its creamy, cheesy flavor. Stir until the soup is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
3. Pour in the beef broth. This will help to thin out the sauce and cook the macaroni. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These ingredients add depth of flavor to the sauce. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese soup and beef broth may already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Cooking the Macaroni

1. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to make sure the macaroni is submerged in the sauce.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
3. Check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, you can cook it uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to reduce.

Adding the Cheese and Finishing Touches

1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet.
3. If desired, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt and brown the cheese on top. Watch it carefully to prevent it from burning.
4. Remove the skillet from the oven or broiler and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Optional Toppings

1. Serve the cheeseburger macaroni skillet hot.
2. Optional toppings: chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard. These toppings add a classic cheeseburger flavor to the dish. I personally love adding a dollop of ketchup and some chopped pickles!

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use different cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it healthier: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the ground beef and onions as directed. Then, combine all ingredients (except the cheddar cheese for topping) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir in the cheddar cheese before serving.
• One-Pot Method: This recipe is already pretty close to a one-pot meal, but to make it even easier, you can use pre-cooked ground beef. Just add it to the skillet along with the other ingredients. This will save you some time and cleanup.
• Freezing Instructions: Let the cheeseburger macaroni cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to add a little beef broth to moisten it up.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 25-35g

Enjoy your delicious and easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet!

Conclusion:

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that brings all the joy of a classic cheeseburger right to your table, but in a comforting, one-pan dish. Seriously, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, then look no further. The combination of perfectly cooked macaroni, savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and those signature cheeseburger toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Craving some extra veggies? Toss in some diced onions, bell peppers, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef and use reduced-fat cheese.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love to top mine with a dollop of sour cream, some chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You could also add some crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and texture. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual get-together with friends. The best part? It’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can whip it up with confidence. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve tweaked it, experimented with different cheeses (sharp cheddar is my personal favorite!), and even added a secret ingredient or two (a little Worcestershire sauce goes a long way!).

I truly believe that this recipe has the potential to become a family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!