Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

Use the list for cheeseburger pasta skillet when you need serves 4 to 5 and a manageable about 25 minutes cook.

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced dill pickles, plus more for topping

How to Make It

For a smoother night, cook cheeseburger pasta skillet in the order that protects timing and texture.

• Brown the beef and onion in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, 6 to 7 minutes, until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
• Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and salt and bring to a simmer.
• Add the dry macaroni, stir, cover, and simmer 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring twice.
• Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar until melted and the sauce is creamy.
• Top with the remaining cheese and the diced pickles, then serve.

Timing Before Practice

Start about 30 minutes out; the pasta cooks right in the sauce so there is only one pan.

• T-minus 30: brown the beef and onion
• T-minus 22: add liquids and the dry pasta
• T-minus 8: stir in cheese, top with pickles, serve

Make It Ahead or Save Leftovers

This skillet reheats into a creamy, comforting second dinner.

• Cook fully and chill in a shallow container
• Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce
• Hold the pickles aside so they stay crisp on the reheat
• Serve with: a green salad, baby carrots

Parent Tip

Keep the lid on while the pasta cooks so it absorbs the broth evenly.