Print

Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Dinner

one-pot cheeseburger macaroni - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot skillet meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 200g)
  • 3 cups beef broth (720ml)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%) (240ml)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large deep skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if excessive, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to deepen flavors.
  4. Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk. Stir to combine. Add 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, ensuring pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet with lid, and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but firm.
  6. Remove lid and lower heat to low. Gradually stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add a splash more milk if sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let skillet rest off heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken sauce and meld flavors.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and smooth sauce. Maintain moderate heat to avoid mushy pasta. If pasta is undercooked and liquid is gone, add more broth or water and continue simmering. For gluten-free, substitute pasta accordingly. For vegetarian, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/creamy-one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-skillet-dinner-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/