Get ready to rediscover a nostalgic family favorite, made even better because it’s homemade and all cooked in a single skillet! Imagine savory ground beef and tender macaroni, all enveloped in a rich, velvety, and supremely cheesy sauce. This one-pan wonder is the ultimate comfort food, delivering all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty pasta dish. It’s the perfect, fuss-free answer to “what’s for dinner?” on a busy weeknight.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
- 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Cook for one minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has deepened in color.
- Season the Base: Stir in the smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to coat the beef and onions.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked macaroni. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Make it Cheesy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and incredibly creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly from the skillet. Enjoy your ultimate one-pan comfort meal!
Recipe Notes:
- The Best Cheese: For the creamiest, meltiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- One-Pan Pro Tip: Be sure to stir the pasta every few minutes as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, especially after you add the milk.
- Meat Variations: This recipe is fantastic with ground turkey or chicken as well. Just be sure to season it well!
- True Cheeseburger Flavor: For an extra “cheeseburger” kick, try stirring in a tablespoon of ketchup and a teaspoon of yellow mustard along with the cheese at the end.
- Storage: Leftovers are delicious! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
There you have it – a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup. This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is sure to become a new staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. We hope your family loves this comforting dish as much as we do!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 650; Protein: 38g; Carbohydrates: 45g; Fat: 35g; Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 8g; Sodium: 980mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
