Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *Cheeseburger Skillet*! This dish is a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have the energy for a full-on cooking marathon. I mean, who doesn’t love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, right? But here’s the twist: it’s all mixed up with pasta in just one pan! Yes, you heard me right—less mess and more deliciousness! The ground beef, cheesy goodness, and comforting macaroni come together in a symphony of flavors that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest, and it’s so easy to whip up!

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

How to Prepare the Cheeseburger Skillet

Alright, let’s dive into making this Cheeseburger Skillet! It’s super simple, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious one-pan meal that everyone will love!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

First things first, grab your skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in that pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook them together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is nice and soft. Oh, the smell of sizzling beef is just heavenly!

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Next, let’s amp up the flavor! Add in your diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well, making sure all those delicious flavors meld, and let it simmer for a minute. You’ll love how it starts to smell like a classic cheeseburger!

Step 3: Incorporate Macaroni and Broth

Now, it’s time for the pasta! Stir in that uncooked macaroni and pour in the beef broth. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil. Watching it bubble away is so satisfying!

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. You’ll want to check it a couple of times to give it a stir, just to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The pasta should be perfectly cooked and soaking up all that flavor!

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Now comes the best part—stir in that shredded cheddar cheese! Keep stirring until it melts into a gooey, cheesy goodness. It’ll be hard to resist sneaking a bite right then and there!

Step 6: Serve Hot

Finally, serve it hot right from the skillet. I love to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that wow factor! You can even add your favorite burger toppings like pickles or lettuce if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Nutritional Information

This Cheeseburger Skillet is not only delicious but also provides a hearty meal option! Each serving—about 1 cup—packs an estimated 450 calories, with 25g of fat and 30g of protein. You’ll also get around 30g of carbs, making it a filling choice for any night. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll guide you in making informed choices while enjoying this comforting dish!

Tips for Success

Oh, I’ve got some fantastic tips to elevate your *Cheeseburger Skillet* experience! First off, if you want a lighter dish, feel free to swap in lean ground beef or even turkey! It still tastes amazing without all the extra grease.

Now, let’s talk about flavor. You can easily kick this up a notch by adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms when you’re browning the beef. They add a nice texture and flavor that complements the dish perfectly! And if you’re a fan of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking will do the trick.

Don’t forget about toppings! You can customize your skillet with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream on top when serving. If you’ve got leftover burger toppings in the fridge, toss them in! They’ll add a fun twist.

Lastly, if you want some extra creaminess, try stirring in a splash of heavy cream just before serving. It’ll make every bite even more indulgent! Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy
Family-friendly—everyone loves the classic cheeseburger flavors!
Comfort food with a twist, combining pasta and burger goodness
Gluten-free option available, making it suitable for different diets

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Just transfer the *Cheeseburger Skillet* to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters! Enjoy!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni works perfectly, you can swap it for any small pasta like shells or penne. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

Is this *Cheeseburger Skillet* suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just keep it in an airtight container for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure thing! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or even some hearty vegetables. It’ll still be delicious!

How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe as written isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick if you like it hot!

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the *Cheeseburger Skillet*! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Cheeseburger Skillet: 5 Irresistible Comfort Food Layers

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A one-pan meal that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta.

Instructions

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat.
Add the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the uncooked macaroni and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Serve hot.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Cheeseburger Skillet, quick meal, one-pan dinner

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