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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (200 grams)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 4 cups beef broth (960 milliliters), low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup milk (240 milliliters), whole or 2%
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 grams), sharp or mild
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and continue cooking until onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Do not drain fat.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute. Lower heat if garlic starts to burn.
  4. Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup milk. Stir to combine.
  5. Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to submerge pasta in liquid.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add more broth or water if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika.
  9. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not drain fat after browning beef to retain flavor. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and creaminess. Add cheese off heat or on very low heat to avoid grainy texture. Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter version. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-skillet-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/