One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac

This One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food fusion, bringing together the savory heartiness of chili with the iconic flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Packed with 35g of protein per serving, it’s a high-protein meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or convenience. By cooking everything in a single pan, you minimize cleanup while allowing the pasta to absorb all the savory juices from the beef and broth, resulting in a rich and creamy dish that the whole family will love.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, this recipe delivers. The sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sauce to create a velvety texture, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that ties the beef and tomatoes together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 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)
• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 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

To ensure the pasta cooks evenly, give the mixture a good stir every few minutes while it is simmering. If you notice the liquid is absorbing too quickly before the macaroni is tender, you can add a small splash of extra beef broth or water to the pan.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter alternative, feel free to substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey. If you have dietary restrictions, this recipe works excellently with gluten-free pasta; just ensure you monitor the cooking time as it may vary from traditional wheat pasta.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish hot in deep bowls, garnished with extra dill pickles for crunch and a sprinkle of chives. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end provides a delicious spicy kick that complements the cheddar cheese.

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With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, this One-Pan Cheeseburger Chili Mac is bound to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen. It's the perfect solution for those nights when you want a meal that is filling, comforting, and remarkably easy to clean up.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth to restore creaminess.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, cavatappi, or penne also work well. Short pasta with plenty of surface area holds onto the cheesy sauce nicely.

→ Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. Add diced jalapeños with the onion, stir in hot sauce with the seasonings, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.

→ Is this gluten-free adaptable?

Yes. Use gluten-free macaroni and double-check that your beef broth, ketchup, and mustard are certified gluten-free.