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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup milk - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients form the base of the dish. The elbow macaroni adds a nice bite. Ground beef gives a hearty flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic enhance the taste. Beef broth and milk create a creamy sauce. Worcestershire sauce and mustard bring depth. - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for added freshness) - Chopped pickles (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add diced tomatoes for a fresh touch. Pickles add a nice crunch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. These add-ins make each bite more exciting. - Large pot - Spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot lets you cook everything in one place. A spatula helps you stir and break up the beef. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you add the right amounts. A knife and cutting board are key for prep work. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a large pot and set it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir until the meat is brown and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish light and tasty. Next, add 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Now, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of mustard. Stir it gently and bring it to a light simmer. This will blend all the flavors well. Then, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to stop the pasta from sticking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Once the pasta is done, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt into a creamy sauce. If you want, add 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes for extra freshness. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta in deep bowls. For a fun touch, garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious meal! To cook your pasta just right, start with enough water. Add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling. Then, add the elbow macaroni once it boils. Stir it well so it doesn’t stick. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check it often. You want it to be firm but not hard. This is called al dente. If you follow these steps, your pasta will turn out great! Cheddar cheese is a top pick for this dish. It melts well and adds a rich flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or a blend of both. For a twist, add pepper jack for a spicy kick. The creaminess of the cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth. Remember to stir it in while the pasta is hot for the best melting effect! Worcestershire sauce and mustard give your dish depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! You can also add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor. If you like it spicy, toss in some crushed red pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up the dish too. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste! Pro Tips Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining flavor; it helps create a healthier dish without sacrificing taste. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after you add the cheese, ensuring a perfect texture. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist in your dish. Make It a Meal: Add in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color, transforming your pasta into a more complete meal. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based meat. Look for options like lentils, chickpeas, or store-bought meat substitutes. These choices add protein but keep the dish light. Just cook them the same way you would cook ground beef. They absorb the flavors and keep the meal hearty. Adding more veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers and spinach are great options. Chop them up and add them when you cook the onions and garlic. They will soften nicely and mix well with the pasta. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety. Cheese is key to making this dish creamy. While cheddar is classic, you can use other types too. Try mozzarella for a stretchier texture or pepper jack for some heat. Mixing different cheeses can make the dish even more exciting. Just remember to shred the cheese for easy melting. To store your leftover One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of milk or water to keep it creamy. Stir it often over low heat. This helps the pasta warm evenly. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to trap steam. This keeps it moist while it heats. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little liquid to restore its creaminess. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! Yes, you can use different types of pasta. I recommend penne or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well. Just adjust cooking times if you choose larger or smaller pasta. Always check the package for cooking time. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Use gluten-free beef broth too. Make sure to check all labels for hidden gluten. This meal pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with pickles on the side. Feel free to add extra toppings like crushed red pepper or hot sauce for heat. Cooking on the stovetop takes about 25 minutes. This time includes prep and cooking. You will spend about 10 minutes preparing ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking. One-pot cheeseburger pasta is easy to make and enjoy. You can mix in beef, veggies, and cheese for a tasty meal. Remember to cook your pasta just right and pick the best cheese for smoothness. You can even switch to a veggie version or add more greens. Store leftovers well and reheat for great taste. With these tips, feel free to customize your dish to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking this simple, yummy dish any day!

Cheesy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for added freshness)
  • Chopped pickles (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep your dish light.
  • Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot with the beef. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and tender, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.
  • Pour in the beef broth and milk, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a light simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Gently mix in the elbow macaroni, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated and submerged in the liquid for optimal cooking.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the pasta is ready, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a luscious, creamy sauce. If using, add the diced tomatoes at this stage for an added burst of freshness and color.
  • Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting any flavors to suit your palate.
  • Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped pickles and freshly chopped parsley for a delightful crunch and vivid presentation.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls and offer additional condiments for customization.
Keyword cheeseburger, easy, one-pot, pasta