Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about a one-pan dish that makes weeknight dinners so much easier! My go-to is this delicious cheeseburger macaroni skillet. It’s a fantastic blend of creamy macaroni and cheese with the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kids couldn’t get enough! They were raving about it and asking for seconds in no time. Trust me, this dish is not just comforting, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it takes hardly any time to whip up, making it perfect for those busy evenings. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup—just toss everything in and go!
- Deliciously rich flavors that combine the best of mac and cheese with classic cheeseburger goodness.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved; it’s a surefire hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile and customizable—add your favorite veggies or experiment with different cheeses.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste amazing the next day!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20 for a bit of fat and flavor
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded—use sharp cheddar for extra flavor!
- 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium works great to control salt
- 1 cup milk, any kind you have on hand will do
- 1 tablespoon ketchup, for that classic burger taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard, yellow or Dijon, whatever you prefer
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t skimp on these for flavor!
How to Prepare Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First things first, let’s get that elbow macaroni cooked! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll cook a bit more later. Drain the macaroni and set it aside while you get started on the beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat—this is key! Add in the 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess grease if there’s too much. The browning adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of mustard into the skillet with the beef. Stir it all together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer—this is where those flavors start to meld beautifully!
Step 4: Add Macaroni and Cheese
Next, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated in that delicious sauce. Now, sprinkle in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is creamy and comforting. It’s hard to resist tasting at this point—just a little spoonful won’t hurt!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season your cheesy masterpiece with salt and pepper to taste. I’d recommend starting with a pinch of each and adjusting from there. Spoon it into bowls and serve hot. You can even top it with extra cheese or some chopped green onions for a little crunch! Trust me, your family is going to love this dish.
Tips for Success
To make your cheeseburger macaroni skillet even more delightful, consider these handy tips! First, feel free to sneak in some veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color—kids often love the extra crunch! If you want to mix it up, try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Also, don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can elevate the dish. Lastly, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef to save a few minutes. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check packaging for the most accurate info! Now, here’s what you can expect per serving of this delightful cheeseburger macaroni skillet:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only hearty but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap it for any small pasta like shells or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the final cooking step, then store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add the cheese when you’re ready to serve.
What can I add to enhance the flavors?
Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or onion powder, or even a splash of hot sauce for some heat! You can also mix in veggies like peas or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cheeseburger macaroni skillet! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your cheeseburger macaroni skillet is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you know when you made it!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, I recommend using the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to bring back some creaminess if it seems a little dry. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this cheeseburger macaroni skillet a try! It’s such a fun and delicious dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—feel free to leave a comment below and share your experiences or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet: 5-Minute Family Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring macaroni and cheese with ground beef and classic cheeseburger flavors.
Składniki
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced tomatoes or bell peppers.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheeseburger macaroni skillet
