Description

A no-fuss, all-in-one comfort food dinner that combines browned beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup and classic cheeseburger flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
2 cups elbow macaroni (about 7 ounces)
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until mostly browned but still slightly pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
Step: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste caramelizes slightly and the mixture darkens.
Step: Pour in beef broth and milk, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.
Step: Add elbow macaroni all at once and stir to submerge it in the liquid.
Step: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Step: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in butter until melted, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.
Step: Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting results. Do not add cheese while pan is still on heat to avoid grainy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot broth or milk to thin. Avoid overcooking pasta; it should be just tender. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: one-pan, cheeseburger macaroni, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pasta, ground beef, cheesy