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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce for a cozy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 2 cups (200 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  2. When beef is about halfway cooked, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until beef is fully browned and onions are softened, about 10 minutes total.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving just enough to coat the pan for flavor.
  4. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Stir in elbow macaroni, reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and let simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Simmer until pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to smooth it out.
  9. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top as garnish. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. For lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Stir pasta often during simmering to prevent sticking and clumping. Use sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. Drain excess fat to avoid greasy sauce but leave some for flavor. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheeseburger macaroni, creamy pasta, ground beef, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/creamy-one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-idea/