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One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese

One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese
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One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is a quick, easy, and comforting meal combining juicy ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender elbow macaroni all cooked in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe is customizable, budget-friendly, and delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Liquids

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup

Cheese and Seasonings

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
  2. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in tomato paste or ketchup for subtle sweetness. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add elbow macaroni directly into the pot and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  3. Stir in the Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce that binds the dish.
  4. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for a full, rich flavor.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Cook pasta until just tender to avoid mushiness after adding cheese.
  • Don’t skip tomato paste or ketchup as it adds the classic cheeseburger tang.
  • Mix different cheeses to add depth and improve meltability.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-pot, cheeseburger mac & cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, family-friendly, quick meal

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/one-pot-cheeseburger-mac-cheese/