Forget the box and make this easy one-pan dish with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s flavorful, creamy, and disappears quickly—perfect fall comfort food.
When I first left home for college I ate an embarrassing amount of boxed pasta mixes, but ever since I discovered how quick and satisfying a homemade one-pan meal can be, I haven’t touched those boxes. This One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni uses simple, fresh ingredients and comes together in about the same time as the boxed version—only it tastes far better. You brown the beef, add seasonings and liquids, stir in the pasta, simmer until tender, then finish with cheese and parsley. It’s comforting, creamy, and easy enough for busy weeknights.
Recipe
One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni
Forget the box and make this easy one-pan dish with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It is flavorful, creamy, and the whole family will love it.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 15 ounces chicken broth
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the stove.
- Add the salt, chili powder, dill, sugar, and garlic powder to the beef and continue cooking briefly to bloom the spices.
- In a small bowl, whisk the corn starch into the milk until fully dissolved.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth into the skillet, then add the milk mixture and stir to combine. Add the elbow macaroni, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 11–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped parsley until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 726 kcal | Carbohydrates: 54 g | Protein: 48 g | Fat: 34 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Cholesterol: 142 mg | Sodium: 1460 mg | Potassium: 982 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 9 g | Vitamin A: 1305 IU | Vitamin C: 22.3 mg | Calcium: 581 mg | Iron: 5.2 mg
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