Description
A comforting and delicious Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe combining savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich cheddar cheese in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This speedy one-pan meal is perfect for a family dinner, packed with classic cheeseburger flavors in a creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth Mixture
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken or beef broth, Dijon mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the beef and onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced sweet onion, breaking apart the meat with a spatula. Cook and stir until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, drain excess grease from the pan, and return the skillet to heat.
- Add the broth mixture and macaroni: Give the broth mixture a quick stir, then pour it over the browned beef in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the uncooked macaroni pasta.
- Simmer the pasta: Reduce heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the macaroni cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to avoid sticking or burning on the bottom.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
