Description
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a cheesy tomato-based sauce. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, this easy and hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a quick and satisfying blend of classic cheeseburger flavors in pasta form.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the finely chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, breaking up the beef as it cooks with a spoon.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well combined.
- Add pasta and liquids: Mix in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and ketchup. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt fully and create a creamy texture throughout the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Serve warm straight from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Adding a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking adds vegetables and color to the dish.
