Name: One-Pot Cheesy Beef & Veggie Kraft Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (unprepared); 1 cup milk; 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice); 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 cup frozen green peas; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; Salt to taste

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If comfort food had a superhero, this One-Pot Cheesy Beef & Veggie Kraft Dinner would be it. It’s warm, cheesy, kid-approved, and secretly packed with vegetables. Whether you’re short on time or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish checks all the boxes. With just one pan and a few pantry staples—Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, ground beef, canned tomatoes, and frozen veggies—you’ve got a hearty dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

One-Pot Cheesy Beef & Veggie Kraft Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal prep and cleanup with just one skillet
Hidden vegetables make it family-friendly
Kraft Mac & Cheese base adds nostalgic flavor
Budget-friendly and perfect for weeknights
Customizable with whatever veggies or cheese you have on hand

Ingredients

Tip: You can find the full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below.

1 lb ground beef
1 box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (unprepared)
1 cup milk
1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup frozen green peas
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Macaroni and Cheese

Stir in the contents of the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box—the dry pasta and cheese powder—directly into the skillet with the beef.

3. Mix in Vegetables and Milk

Pour in the milk, diced tomatoes (with their juice), frozen corn, and peas. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well mixed. Season with salt to taste.

4. Simmer

Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Add Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Swap peas or corn for spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Top with crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions for extra texture
Use whole wheat or gluten-free mac & cheese for dietary needs

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating

FAQs

Can I use homemade macaroni instead of Kraft?

Yes, but the signature flavor of this dish comes from the Kraft cheese powder. If using homemade, substitute with extra cheese and seasoning.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or shredded carrots all work well.

Do I cook the macaroni separately?

No need! It cooks directly in the skillet with the beef and liquids.

Can I use plant-based meat?

Yes. Plant-based crumbles work great as a vegetarian substitute.

Will this recipe work without tomatoes?

Yes, but you’ll want to add a bit more milk or broth to keep the mixture creamy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and extend cooking time slightly.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely! The cheesy base makes the veggies less noticeable, and kids love it.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try dairy-free mac and cheese plus vegan cheese alternatives. Use plant-based milk.

What cheese is best for topping?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella work too.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Cheesy Beef & Veggie Kraft Dinner is weeknight gold—quick, comforting, and sneakily nutritious. It transforms humble ingredients into something special without dirtying multiple pots. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, tight schedules, or just need a big bowl of something cheesy and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.