One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac (Printable)

High-protein comfort food combining chili mac and classic cheeseburger flavors in one skillet.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

04 - 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Liquids

05 - 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Dairy

12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Toppings & Finish

13 - 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, sliced (optional)

# Directions:

01 - 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, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
02 - Add diced onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef mixture.
04 - Add uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and canned tomatoes with juice. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
07 - Top with chopped dill pickles and sliced chives or green onions, if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup since everything, including the pasta, cooks in one skillet.
  • High Protein: Each serving provides 35g of protein, making it a satiating main dish.
  • Family Friendly: Features the nostalgic flavors of cheeseburgers that kids and adults alike enjoy.
  • Fast Preparation: From prep to table in just 35 minutes.
02 -
  • Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheddar from a block for a smoother, creamier melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Pasta Doneness: Start checking the macaroni at the 10-minute mark to ensure it stays al dente.
  • Browning: Really brown the beef well in the first step to develop the best flavor base for the sauce.
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