Save This One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is a hearty, high-protein mash-up that brings together the best of two comfort food worlds. By cooking lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory blend of seasonings in a single skillet, you get all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the satisfying texture of chili mac—all with minimal cleanup.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the tangy additions of pickles, mustard, and ketchup, which transform a standard pasta skillet into a true cheeseburger experience. It is an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families or anyone looking for a simple, high-protein meal prep option.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth; 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Toppings & Finish: 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Step 4
- Add uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and canned tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 7
- Top with chopped dill pickles and sliced chives or green onions, if using. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top just before serving. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick that complements the tangy pickles perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary needs. You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version, or use your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate sensitivities. Ensure you adjust cooking times slightly as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Chili Mac hot directly from the skillet. To really lean into the cheeseburger theme, serve it alongside extra burger toppings like shredded lettuce or fresh diced tomatoes. A side of steamed greens or a simple garden salad helps balance the richness of the cheddar cheese.
Save With its blend of smoky paprika, tangy mustard, and creamy cheese, this One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. It’s a satisfying, high-protein meal that delivers classic flavors with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess, as the pasta will absorb more liquid overnight.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal because it holds sauce well and cooks evenly. Shells, cavatappi, or small penne also work. Avoid long pasta shapes or very small sizes that might become mushy during simmering.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños with the onions, increase the smoked paprika, or stir in your favorite hot sauce when adding the seasonings. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes also works well.
- → Can I use different meat?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles make excellent lighter alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly as leaner meats may brown faster. The seasonings work well with any protein choice.
- → Why add pickles at the end?
Adding dill pickles at the end preserves their crunch and bright tangy flavor. If added too early, they become soft and lose their texture, which provides essential contrast to the creamy pasta.