One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac (Printable)

High-protein skillet combining cheeseburger flavors with macaroni comfort.

# 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

→ Liquids

17 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth

# Method:

01 - 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.
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. 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 12–15 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 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal instead of cleaning up.
  • It's packed with protein and tastes decadent without requiring any fancy ingredients or techniques you haven't already mastered.
  • The pickles add a bright, unexpected note that keeps each bite interesting and stops this from tasting like the usual mac and cheese.
02 -
  • Drain the fat from your beef after browning it; even an extra tablespoon makes a difference in how the final dish tastes, preventing it from feeling greasy or heavy.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering so the bottom doesn't scorch and the pasta cooks evenly; this is also your chance to taste and adjust seasoning.
03 -
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can taste how the other ingredients shine and adjust seasoning yourself rather than fighting an over-salted base.
  • Let the finished dish rest for five minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and the flavors calm down just enough to appreciate them individually and together.
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