Pin This One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is a hearty, high-protein skillet meal that combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger—complete with pickles, mustard, and ketchup—with the ultimate comfort of chili mac. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a savory experience that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Pin Imagine a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. With its tangy mustard, sweet ketchup, and crunchy pickles, every bite brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. It’s a total weeknight hero.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (75 g) dill pickles, chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (use whole wheat for extra protein)
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 2
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the cherry tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Step 4
- Pour in the broth and milk, then add the macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.
- Step 5
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6
- Stir in 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 7
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt.
- Step 8
- Serve hot, garnished with extra pickles if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent the macaroni from sticking, give it a stir every few minutes while it simmers. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid at the start to ensure even cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese. If you prefer a bit of heat, swap the cheddar for pepper jack or add diced jalapeños and spicy pickles into the mix.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish hot in deep bowls, topped with a few extra chopped pickles for crunch. It pairs excellently with a crisp side salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
Pin This One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy this comforting, high-protein meal tonight!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this skillet and creates a lighter version while maintaining great flavor.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, cavatappi, or penne also work perfectly in this one-pan dish.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- → Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely—add diced jalapeños, use spicy pickles, or increase the red pepper flakes to kick up the heat level.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.