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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

creamy one-pot cheeseburger macaroni skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20, preferably grass-fed)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked, about 8 ounces)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.
  3. Pour in beef broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in uncooked macaroni, ensuring pasta is submerged.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet with lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
  5. Once pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika.
  7. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Stir often during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. If skillet lid is not tight-fitting, use foil to trap steam. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check Worcestershire sauce ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheeseburger macaroni, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, skillet meal