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- 1 pound lean ground beef - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced In this recipe, the ground beef brings a hearty flavor. Elbow macaroni adds a fun shape and texture. Diced onion gives sweetness, while minced garlic adds depth. - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup milk Beef broth makes the dish rich and savory. Milk adds creaminess, making the dish comforting and smooth. These liquids work together to create a tasty sauce. - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasonings like paprika and mustard powder give this dish a boost of flavor. Salt and pepper are key for balance. Cheddar cheese melts into the pasta, creating a gooey texture. Pickles add a tangy crunch, while parsley adds freshness as a garnish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I toss in the diced onion. I sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. Next, I add minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This step fills the kitchen with a nice aroma. Now it's time to add the star of the dish, the ground beef. I turn the heat to medium-high, then add the beef to the pot. I cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it turns brown and crumbly. If there’s too much fat, I drain some away to keep it lean and tasty. With the beef done, I stir in the elbow macaroni. Then, I pour in the beef broth and milk. I also sprinkle in paprika and mustard powder for flavor. I bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, I lower the heat to low and cover the pot. I let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. During this time, I stir it every now and then. I want the pasta to be al dente and soak up most of the liquid. When the pasta is ready, I take the pot off the heat. The best part is next: I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. I mix it until the cheese melts and makes the dish creamy. After that, I taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. For a fun twist, I sometimes add diced pickles for a bit of tang. Finally, I serve my dish warm and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for freshness. To make a great cheese sauce, you need to use the right cheese. I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. It melts well and gives a rich taste. Avoid low-fat cheese, as it may not melt smoothly. To ensure a creamy texture, add the cheese slowly. Stir it in after the pot is off the heat. This helps it melt evenly and makes your sauce smooth. If you want even more creaminess, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. Managing heat levels is key to cooking. Start on medium heat to sauté your onions and garlic. Then, when you add the beef, crank it up to medium-high. This helps the meat brown well. Once it’s time to simmer, lower the heat to keep everything from boiling over. Stirring for consistency is also important. Stir the pot often when cooking. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking. It also ensures all the flavors mix well together. Adding spices for flavor can make your dish pop. I like to use paprika and mustard powder, which add depth. You can also experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even chili powder for a kick. For optional garnishes, consider diced pickles. They add a nice crunch and tang. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish with color and flavor. You can also try adding crispy bacon bits or jalapeños for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat and calories while keeping the dish flavorful. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist. Perfect Pasta: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like basil or chives can elevate the dish's presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can change up the meat in this dish. Lean ground turkey or chicken works great. They keep the taste light and healthy. Just cook them the same way as beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans. These add protein and flavor without meat. Mixing in different cheeses can transform this dish. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Cream cheese gives a rich and creamy texture. You can also add vegetables for more flavor. Spinach or bell peppers are tasty choices. Just chop them and stir them in while cooking. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free macaroni. There are many brands that taste just as good. For a low-fat meal, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also swap whole milk for skim or almond milk. These changes keep the meal delicious without extra calories. To keep your One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few great ways to warm them up. The best method is to heat it on the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir it gently over low heat until it warms through. You can also use the microwave. Just make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. In the fridge, your One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni will stay good for about three days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it may be spoiled. Always trust your senses! If it looks dry or has an unusual texture, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make this meal ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps: - Cook the dish as normal. - Let it cool completely. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. If you don’t have beef broth, don’t worry! Here are a few options: - Chicken broth offers a lighter taste. - Vegetable broth keeps it meat-free. - Water with a bit of soy sauce can work too. Each option adds a unique flavor. Choose what fits your taste or what you have on hand. Want a kick? Here are some ways to spice it up: - Add a teaspoon of chili powder for heat. - Mix in some diced jalapeños for a fresh bite. - Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. These small changes can turn your dish into a spicy delight! Choose what you like best. This blog post dives into making a delicious One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. We explored the main and liquid ingredients, along with seasonings. The step-by-step guide takes you through preparation, cooking, and finishing touches. I shared tips for perfect cheese sauce and cooking techniques and discussed variations for different diets. Finally, we covered storage info and answered common questions. Now, you can confidently create a great meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients!

Cheesy One-Pot Burger Bliss

A delicious one-pot meal combining ground beef, macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, paprika, and mustard powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, mix in diced pickles for an extra tangy kick.
  • Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Notes

Optional pickles add a tangy flavor.
Keyword burger, cheesy, one-pot, pasta