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Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a comforting, cheesy skillet meal combining browned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce made with cream cheese and cheddar. With Italian seasoning and savory tomato paste-enhanced broth, this easy one-pan dish comes together quickly for a perfect family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 cups Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Pantry

  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 4 cups Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (optional, as needed for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is well-browned and no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Break it up as it cooks for even browning.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add a little olive oil if the pan looks dry to prevent burning.
  3. Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste until evenly combined, then pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) to deglaze the skillet and mix with the meat and aromatics.
  4. Cook macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the pasta to start absorbing the liquid.
  5. Simmer pasta: Once simmering, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook covered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add cream cheese and season: Cut the cream cheese into smaller blocks and add them to the pasta. Pour in the milk, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously while cooking until the cream cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
  7. Finish with cheddar: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just melted into the dish. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a rich, cheesy meal.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream instead.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Stir frequently once pasta is added to prevent sticking to the pan.
  • If the dish thickens too much while cooking, add a little extra broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheeseburger Macaroni, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, one skillet dinner, easy family meal

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cheeseburger-macaroni-recipe/