Description
One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of macaroni pasta, all cooked in a single skillet. In today’s busy world, time is of the essence, and this easy recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for families, this dish is not only kid-approved but also a great way to get everyone together for a comforting dinner. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and cheesy goodness, One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni truly satisfies the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 2 1/2 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 cup beef broth
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- 8 ounce shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion, seasoning it all with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. As the meat cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it apart, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook until the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink remaining. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
2. Once your beef is browned, it’s time to elevate the flavors. Stir in the minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle juice. Mixing these condiments in at this stage is crucial as it creates that signature cheeseburger flavor that makes One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni irresistible!
3. Next, it’s time to layer in the pasta and liquids. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, followed by the beef broth and tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the macaroni is well coated with the flavorful mix. This step is fundamental to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to keep the macaroni from sticking and ensures even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid!
5. Once the pasta is cooked, take off the lid and stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese and milk. This is where the magic happens, as the cheese melts into gooey perfection, creating a creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together.
6. Finally, it’s time to plate up this hearty dish! Top your One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich creaminess of the casserole. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
To master your One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni, here are some handy tips:
– Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while browning the beef, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack adds a spicy twist, while cheddar enhances the cheesiness. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
– Keep an eye on the pasta during simmering; you want it al dente, not mushy. If you find it’s soaking up too much liquid without cooking through, just add a little more beef broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg