Name: Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (454 g) macaroni; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil (or as needed depending on the fat percentage of your beef); 1 pound (454 g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped (or 1 teaspoon onion powder); 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce; 1 cup (240 ml) milk; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt, or more to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar; 2-3 cups (226-340 g) shredded cheddar cheese, depending on your preferred cheesiness; Minced parsley for topping, optional

This delicious Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. With the savory flavors of a cheeseburger and the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner on the table quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
Kid-friendly while still appealing to adults
Customizable with your favorite burger toppings or add-ins
Comfort food at its finest with the beloved combination of pasta, beef, and cheese
Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
No fancy ingredients required – just pantry and refrigerator staples

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Macaroni creates the foundation of this dish, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious flavors. Its small shape cooks quickly and meshes well with the ground beef and sauce.

Ground beef adds hearty protein and that classic cheeseburger flavor. Choose a lean ground beef if you prefer less fat, or stick with an 80/20 blend for more flavor.

Onion contributes essential aromatic flavor that enhances the beef. If you’re in a hurry or cooking for picky eaters, onion powder makes a convenient substitute.

Garlic infuses the dish with its distinctive savory notes. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch when you need a shortcut.

Tomato sauce brings acidic brightness and creates the base for the sauce. It melds the mac and cheese with cheeseburger flavors in perfect harmony.

Milk adds creaminess to the sauce without making it heavy like a traditional bechamel-based mac and cheese. It creates just the right consistency.

Salt and pepper are crucial for bringing all the flavors together. Don’t be shy with freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.

Sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce with just a touch of sweetness. It’s a small amount but makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor profile.

Cheddar cheese creates that gooey, melty texture we all love in mac and cheese. Use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor or mild for a more subtle approach.

Parsley adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness to cut through the richness of the dish.

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, then set aside.
Heat large skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil and then add beef. Break up beef and cook until nearly cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Add onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add tomato sauce, milk, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir to evenly combine.
Bring beef and sauce to a low simmer for about 3 minutes for all the flavors to combine. Taste the beef sauce and add any additional seasonings if needed.
Fold in the pasta and then add the cheese a little at a time until everything combines and cheese melts. Add additional cheese on top if you want and minced parsley. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with leftovers for lunch the next day. The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. If you’re in a hurry, using small macaroni will cook the quickest, while larger pasta shapes like rotini or penne will extend the cooking time slightly.

Variations

Spicy Southwest: Mix in a can of diced green chilies, some chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Mushroom Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and substitute half of the cheddar with Swiss cheese.

Pizza Mac: Add pepperoni slices and Italian seasoning, then top with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.

Veggie Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and peas for added nutrition and color.

BBQ Style: Mix in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and top with crispy fried onions.

Taco Mac: Use taco seasoning instead of salt and pepper, then top with crushed tortilla chips and diced avocado.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Storage: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings in freezer-safe containers before freezing for easy reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Microwave Reheating: For single portions, microwave on 70% power for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot. Adding a tablespoon of milk helps maintain moisture.

Oven Reheating: For larger portions, place in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, you can substitute any short pasta shape like rotini, shells, or penne. Just be aware that different pasta shapes may require adjusted cooking times, so follow the package instructions for best results.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Absolutely! Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat, and reduce the amount of cheese while adding more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

My sauce seems too thin, how can I thicken it?

Allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. If it’s still too thin, you can sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour while stirring constantly, then continue to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still provides satisfying texture and flavor.

What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Medium or sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can experiment with cheese blends. A mixture of cheddar, monterey jack, and a small amount of American cheese creates an ultra-creamy texture.

My kids don’t like onions and garlic. Can I skip them?

Yes, you can omit the onions and garlic if necessary, but using the powder versions as suggested in the recipe provides flavor without the texture some children dislike. Alternatively, you can grate the onion very finely so it “disappears” into the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or even frozen peas make great additions. Add firm vegetables like carrots when you add the onions, and more delicate vegetables like peas in the final minutes of cooking.

What can I serve with this mac and cheese?

A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables make perfect accompaniments to balance the richness of this dish. Garlic bread is also a popular side for those wanting extra comfort food indulgence.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger pot or divide between two skillets if needed. Cooking times remain roughly the same, though you may need a few extra minutes to ensure even heating throughout.

Conclusion

This Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of two beloved comfort foods in one easy, family-friendly dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but satisfying enough to cure any comfort food craving.

With just one skillet and about 30 minutes, you can create a meal that will please even the pickiest eaters while providing a hearty, homemade alternative to boxed mac and cheese. The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations to make it your own, this Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab your favorite skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious blend of two comfort food classics tonight!

Skillet Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese