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creamy one-pot cheeseburger macaroni skillet - featured image

Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Recipe Easy Dinner Idea


  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, cheesy, and indulgent one-pot skillet meal combining savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and comfort food cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • 2 cups (8 ounces or 225g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups (720ml) beef broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 2 cups (8 ounces or 225g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour in beef broth and add elbow macaroni. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil uncovered.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender but firm to the bite, about 7-9 minutes. Add water or broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until sauce is creamy and cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes. Stir well and let sit off heat for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Brown the beef properly for deeper flavor. Use beef broth instead of water for richer taste. Stir gently and often to prevent pasta from sticking. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it al dente. Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 25
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 28

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