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To make a delicious One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 pound lean ground beef - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup milk - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional garnish) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each item plays a key role in this comfort dish. The lean ground beef provides a hearty base. Elbow macaroni adds that classic pasta feel. Onions and garlic give a rich depth of flavor. Broth and milk keep everything creamy. Sharp cheddar cheese ties it all together with that cheesy goodness. Spices like smoked paprika and mustard powder add a hint of warmth and tang. Finally, pickles and parsley are optional, but they can brighten the dish with freshness and crunch. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 small finely diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. 3. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring often. 4. Raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Break it up with a spoon until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed. 5. Stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. 6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Ensure the pasta is al dente and most liquid is gone. 7. Remove the pot from heat. Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until it melts and becomes creamy. 8. If you like a tangy taste, fold in 1/4 cup of diced pickles. 9. Serve warm. Top with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Ensuring pasta is cooked to al dente: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. Al dente means it is firm but cooked through. Stir it every few minutes to prevent sticking. Taste a piece a little before the time is up. You want a nice bite, not mushy pasta. - Adjusting seasoning to taste: After you mix in the cheese, taste your dish. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. You can also add more smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Always season a little at a time. This way, you can hit the right balance. - Ideas for garnishing the dish: For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can also add diced pickles for a tangy twist. This makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. - Serving suggestions for best enjoyment: Serve your cheeseburger macaroni in bowls or on plates. Pair it with a side salad for freshness. You can also offer some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite! Pro Tips Use Quality Beef: Choosing a higher quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your dish. Look for grass-fed or organic options for a richer taste. Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk before simmering. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor and a unique twist. Save Some Cheese: Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top before serving for a melty and appealing finish. {{image_4}} You can change the ground beef to ground turkey or chicken. This swap makes the dish lighter. You can also try different types of cheese. Swiss, pepper jack, or even a mix can add unique flavors. If you want a dairy-free meal, use a plant-based cheese. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. To make this dish even better, add spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning. These spices boost the flavor and make each bite exciting. You can also toss in veggies for extra nutrition. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli work great. This keeps the meal balanced and delicious. Store any leftovers in the fridge within two hours. Place the dish in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for best results. They help prevent odors from mixing. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. For longer shelf life, freeze your One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for a quick defrost. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Stir well to ensure even heating. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Rotini or penne work well. Just remember that cooking times may change. How can I make the dish spicier? To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also try a spicy cheese. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this dish stores well. You can make it ahead and reheat it for easy meals. Estimated calorie count This dish has about 600 calories per serving. It’s filling and tasty. Macronutrient breakdown - Protein: 35 grams - Carbohydrates: 65 grams - Fat: 25 grams This recipe combines simple ingredients to make a delicious meal. You learned how to prepare, cook, and garnish your dish. With tips on ingredient swaps and storage, you can customize it. Think about how you can make it your own or share it. Enjoy this dish any night of the week. Experiment with flavors and make it great. The potential is huge, so dive in and have fun!

Cheesy One-Pot Burger Bliss

A creamy and cheesy one-pot dish combining the flavors of burgers and macaroni.
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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, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.25 cup pickles, diced (optional garnish)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and crumbled, about 5-6 minutes. If there is any excess fat, drain it off carefully.
  • Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Increase the heat to bring this mixture to a vigorous boil.
  • Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta cooks to al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  • For an extra tangy flavor, fold in the diced pickles, if using.
  • Serve the Cheesy One-Pot Burger Bliss warm, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For an extra tangy flavor, fold in diced pickles.
Keyword burger, cheesy, macaroni, one-pot