Description
A quick and comforting Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe that combines lean ground beef, tender macaroni pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, Dijon mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced sweet onion, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Cook until the onions are softened and the beef is fully browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Drain any excess grease and return the skillet to heat.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Give the prepared broth mixture a quick stir and pour it over the browned beef in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked macaroni pasta.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the macaroni is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, about 1 minute. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content in this dish.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter but still flavorful; you can substitute with ground turkey for a different twist.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
