Description
This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty macaroni pasta. It’s made with lean ground beef, a tangy tomato-based sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner, this dish cooks in just about 25 minutes and yields six generous servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Brown the Meat and Onions: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced sweet onion. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spoon until the beef is fully cooked and the onions have softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Drain off any excess grease from the pan, then return the skillet to heat.
- Add Broth Mixture and Macaroni: Give the prepared broth mixture a quick stir and pour it into the skillet containing the meat mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked macaroni pasta to the skillet.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Allow the macaroni to cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the pan’s bottom.
- Finish with Cheese: When the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely, which should take about 1 minute. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control of the dish’s saltiness.
- Lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat while maintaining flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with another small pasta shape like shells or penne.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
