11 Mac and Cheese Based Skillet Dinners That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

Mac and cheese is a favorite comfort food for many families. It’s creamy, cheesy, and always hits the spot. But what if you could turn this classic dish into a complete meal?

Skillet dinners based on mac and cheese are a great way to create quick, easy, and delicious meals for your family. These one-pan wonders combine the gooey goodness of mac and cheese with other tasty ingredients. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve up something yummy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

• 1 1) Creamy Macaroni and Beef Skillet
• 2 2) BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Skillet
• 3 3) Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Skillet
• 4 4) Lobster Mac and Cheese Skillet
• 5 5) Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Skillet 🍗🧀
• 6 6) Broccoli and Cheddar Mac and Cheese Skillet 🥦🧀
• 7 7) Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Skillet 🍝🧀
• 8 8) Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🍝
• 9 9) Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🌶️
• 10 10) Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese Skillet
• 11 11) Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🍝

1) Creamy Macaroni and Beef Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup carrot slices

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the frozen peas, corn, and carrot slices. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Reduce heat to low and add the butter to the skillet. Stir until melted and combined with the beef and vegetables.

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, mixing everything together.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth.

Pour the cheese mixture into the skillet, stirring until everything is well coated.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.

Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes:

 You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

 This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

2) BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Skillet

🍖🧀 BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Skillet

📋 Ingredients:
1 lb pulled pork
2 cups cooked macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
4. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until sauce thickens.
5. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Fold in cooked macaroni and pulled pork.
7. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top and gently stir.
8. Simmer for 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

📝 Notes:
◻️ Use leftover pulled pork to make this dish even easier.

◻️ Try different cheese blends for unique flavors.

◻️ Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for extra crunch.

3) Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Skillet

🥓🧀🌶️ Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Skillet

📋 Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté diced jalapeño for 2 minutes.
4. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in flour to make a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until sauce thickens.
6. Add cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Mix in cooked macaroni and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon and jalapeño slices if desired.

This spicy mac and cheese is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the jalapeños give it a nice kick. It’s all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.

For a creamier sauce, try using half and half instead of milk. You can also add different cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice.

4) Lobster Mac and Cheese Skillet

🦞🧀 Lobster Mac and Cheese Skillet

📋 Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
3 cups shredded cheese blend
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Add cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
6. Mix in Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Fold in cooked pasta and lobster meat.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
9. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra flavor, add a dash of garlic powder and smoked paprika.
◻️ Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for depth.
◻️ Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

5) Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Skillet 🍗🧀

📋 Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
2 green onions, chopped

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add milk and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Stir until combined.
4. Slowly whisk in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions.
8. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

◻️ Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

◻️ This dish is perfect for game nights or casual dinners with friends.

6) Broccoli and Cheddar Mac and Cheese Skillet 🥦🧀

📋 Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni in a large skillet according to package directions. Add broccoli for the last 2 minutes.
2. Drain pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Add cooked pasta and broccoli back to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, veggie-packed skillet dinner!

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or diced onions to the sauce.

◻️ Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Parmesan for more depth.

◻️ This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and leftovers reheat well.

7) Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Skillet 🍝🧀

🍽️ Ingredients:
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
4. Stir in the cooked macaroni and half-and-half.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving.

✨ Tips:
• For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheddar and gouda cheese.
• Add some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for a nutritious twist.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

8) Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🍝

📋 Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
6. Add all four cheeses to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra flavor, try adding some minced garlic or herbs to the cheese sauce.
◻️ This dish can be customized with different cheese combinations.
◻️ Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

9) Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🌶️

📋 Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until veggies are soft.
3. Stir in macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is tender, add cheese and stir until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped cilantro if desired.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

◻️ This dish can be customized with black beans or diced avocado for extra Tex-Mex flair.

◻️ Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch option.

10) Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese Skillet

🧀🍝 Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese Skillet

📋 Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
4. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until sauce thickens.
5. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
6. Mix in cooked macaroni, spinach, and artichokes.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
◻️ This dish can be baked in the oven for a crispy top.
◻️ Try using a mix of cheeses for more flavor.

11) Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese Skillet 🧀🍝

📋 Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

📝 Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
9. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic! 😋

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.

◻️ Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results and a rustic presentation.

◻️ This skillet mac and cheese is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

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