Golden Skillet Cheeseburger Macaroni
With Creamy Cheddar Sauce
This homemade version is way better than boxed, packed with juicy beef, tender pasta, and a smooth, cheesy sauce that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger—all made in one skillet!
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings
Serves 4 generous portions
Nutrition (Approx.)
520 kcal per serving
Ingredients
Pasta & Beef
12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Base
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
Cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasonings
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions.
Drain and set aside. Do not overcook—pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
Drain excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Add Onion & Garlic
Add diced onion to the beef and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until aromatic (do not brown).
4️⃣ Build the Flavor
Add:
Tomato paste
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt & black pepper
Stir well and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5️⃣ Simmer the Sauce
Pour in:
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
6️⃣ Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low.
Slowly stir in the milk, then add:
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Stir gently until cheese is fully melted and smooth.
Keep heat low to avoid grainy sauce.
7️⃣ Combine Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the skillet.
Fold gently until pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheeseburger sauce.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick, glossy, and irresistible.
8️⃣ Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot and cheesy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
✔ Shred cheese yourself—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly
✔ Keep heat low when adding cheese
✔ Want it extra saucy? Add ¼ cup more milk
✔ Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed
Variations & Add-Ins
Bacon Cheeseburger: add cooked chopped bacon
Spicy: add chili powder or diced jalapeños
Veggie boost: add peas or diced bell peppers
Extra cheeseburger flavor: stir in 1 teaspoon mustard
Crunchy topping: sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before serving
Storage
Refrigerate: up to 3 days in an airtight container
Reheat: gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk
