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Creamy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

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A quick and easy 30-minute one pot recipe combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (regular or whole wheat, no need to pre-cook)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup whole milk (can substitute 2% or dairy-free milk)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
  2. When beef is about halfway browned, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Pour in beef broth and add elbow macaroni. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broth is mostly absorbed.
  6. Lower heat to low. Stir in milk, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let sit covered for a few minutes to thicken.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm straight from the skillet.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for a silkier sauce. Stir often but gently to prevent sticking and burning. Adjust seasoning at the end since broth and cheese add saltiness. If sauce is too thick, add more milk or broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef with seasoning adjustments. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free. Dairy-free milk and vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, cheeseburger macaroni, easy dinner, quick recipe, comfort food, skillet meal, ground beef, macaroni and cheese

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-skillet-easy-30-minute-recipe/