One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac (Printer-friendly)

A hearty skillet combining cheeseburger flavors with macaroni, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
05 - 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped

→ Pasta

06 - 8 oz elbow macaroni

→ Dairy

07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup milk

→ Sauces & Condiments

09 - 1/4 cup ketchup
10 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
11 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

→ Liquids

17 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth

# Directions:

01 - In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the cherry tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
04 - Pour in the broth and milk, then add the macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to melt.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra pickles if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, including the pasta.
  • High Protein: Each serving provides 36g of protein to keep you satisfied.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different meats or cheeses based on your preference.
  • Family Favorite: Combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious meal.
02 -
  • Pasta Choice: Use whole wheat elbow macaroni to add extra fiber and keep the protein content high.
  • Broth Control: Use low-sodium beef broth so you can adjust the saltiness to your liking at the end.
  • Resting Time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after the final cheese has melted allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.
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