Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes

I still remember the first time I threw together this Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet—burnt-out on complicated recipes but desperate for that classic comfort. The smoky browned beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta all mingling in one pan? Pure magic. What I love most about this recipe is how it captures the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger but without fussing over multiple dishes. It’s a no-fail, one-skillet wonder perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade, hearty, and fast. Plus, it’s done in just 30 minutes, which feels like cheating in the best way possible. If you haven’t tried a cheesy, meaty macaroni skillet like this, you’re about to find your new favorite dinner.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow works)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

So, why does this recipe work so well? First off, the choice of ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20) keeps the meat juicy and flavorful—leaner meat tends to dry out. I use butter to sauté onions and garlic instead of oil, which gives a silky richness without overpowering. Beef broth is the cooking liquid for the pasta, meaning all the starchiness mixes with savory depth—the secret sauce base. Adding tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce brings umami power that mimics the juicy patties from a real cheeseburger. The mustard and smoked paprika add subtle tang and smoky layers, rounding out the flavors without stealing the spotlight. And of course, the sharp cheddar melts into creamy, stringy goodness—don’t skimp here! Each ingredient plays a role in delivering that nostalgic, hearty skillet magic.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes

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Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes for a quick tasty meal that satisfies hunger and delights your family fast

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

2 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup whole milk

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow works)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Reduce heat to medium, add butter, then the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, around 3 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices slightly.

Pour in uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Toss in the shredded cheddar gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.

Let the skillet rest for 2 minutes off the burner to let flavors mingle and thicken the dish slightly.

Notes

A quick and hearty one-skillet recipe that combines smoky browned beef, gooey cheese, and tender elbow macaroni for a comforting cheeseburger-inspired dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add butter, then the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, around 3 minutes. The butter helps the onions caramelize gently, adding subtle sweetness.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices slightly, which layers flavor.
4. Cook macaroni: Pour in uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta absorbs the broth, and the starch thickens the mixture.
5. Finish with cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Toss in the shredded cheddar gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. It will look rich and creamy, coating each bit of pasta and beef.
6. Rest before serving: Let the skillet rest for 2 minutes off the burner. This helps the flavors mingle and the dish thicken slightly so it isn’t too runny.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: Tips for Success

• Don’t rush browning the beef: Getting that caramelized crust on your meat adds an intense meaty flavor that lifts the whole dish.
• Use the right pasta: Elbow macaroni or small shells work best—they trap cheese and sauce in every nook. If you use larger pasta, you might need to adjust cooking time.
• Stir often but gently: This keeps pasta from sticking without breaking it down or making the cheese clump.
• Choose sharp cheddar: It melts beautifully and gives that classic “cheeseburger” tang. Mild cheeses can leave the dish bland.
• Adjust liquids as needed: If it looks too dry before pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or milk. The goal is creamy, not soupy or dry.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Comfort classic store really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth in a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Heat gently while stirring frequently to bring back creaminess and prevent the cheese from clumping or drying out. If the sauce feels a bit thick, don’t hesitate to loosen it with extra liquid—it’ll bounce back beautifully. Avoid reheating at high temperatures quickly, as that can turn the cheese grainy. With the right care, this skillet can taste just as good the next day!

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning and maybe a teaspoon of olive oil when cooking, since poultry is less fatty and can dry out. The flavor will be milder but still tasty.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth are fine substitutes, though they change the flavor slightly. You can also dissolve a beef bouillon cube in water to mimic broth. Avoid plain water, as you’ll lose that savory depth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for olive oil or a vegan spread, use a plant-based milk like oat or almond for creaminess, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The result won’t be quite the same but still satisfying.

Is it possible to prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop onions and garlic a day ahead and measure out spices. Brown the beef, then cool and refrigerate it separately. When ready to cook, sauté aromatics, add beef, liquids, and pasta as per the directions. This can save 10 minutes during the actual cooking.

Why does the recipe use milk and broth together?

The broth adds savory depth and richness, while the milk contributes creaminess and helps cheese melt smoothly. Using both gives you that lush, silky sauce that coats every bite.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes: Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving, based on 4 servings total:

• Calories: 570
• Fat: 32 grams
• Protein: 35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams

These numbers can vary depending on exact ingredients or portion sizes used — consider them a ballpark rather than exact science.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet in 30 Minutes

If you give this Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet a try, please drop a comment below telling me how it turned out! I love hearing what tweaks people make or how it fits their weeknight rhythms. It feels so satisfying to whip up a meal that tastes like a cheat but is actually homemade and wholesome. Now, grab your skillet and let’s make this cozy, cheesy comfort in just 30 minutes. I promise it’ll become a secret weapon in your recipe rotation!