One-Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni
A comforting, hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 7 ounces)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (about 20 fl oz)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until mostly browned but still slightly pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until the onions soften.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the paste caramelizes slightly.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add elbow macaroni all at once. Stir to submerge it in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce.