One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

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One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick and easy meal that combines two comfort food favorites – cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese. You can make this nostalgic dish in just 30 minutes using one skillet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without a lot of fuss or cleanup.

This homemade version is a tasty upgrade from the boxed Hamburger Helper you might remember from childhood. You’ll use simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cheese, and seasonings to create a creamy, cheesy pasta that both kids and adults will love.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Try these swaps:

  • Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
  • Vegetable broth for beef broth
  • Plant-based milk for regular milk
  • Any short pasta shape for elbow macaroni
  • Your favorite cheese blend for cheddar

Spice it up with optional add-ins:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped pickles
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Sliced green onions

Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to adjust amounts or ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

You’ll love how easy this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is to make! Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

  2. Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 6-7 minutes.

  3. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

  5. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

  6. Sprinkle in some seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika.

  7. Pour in beef broth, milk, and elbow macaroni. Stir well.

  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender.

  9. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

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Your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is ready to serve! Dish it up and enjoy your homemade meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and quick.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni even better with these handy tips:

Use high-quality beef for the best flavor. An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works great.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Stop cooking when it’s al dente to avoid mushy noodles.

Try different cheese blends for variety. Sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and American cheese make a tasty mix.

Add some veggies for extra nutrition. Diced bell peppers or frozen peas work well.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. Warm it in the microwave or on the stove, stirring often.

For a quick freezer meal, portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then warm it up as usual.

Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt or dash of hot sauce can really perk up the flavors.