Description
A comforting one-pan dish combining ground beef, macaroni, and a creamy cheesy sauce for a quick homemade version of a classic cheeseburger in pasta form, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Meat & Vegetables
- 250 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown beef and onion: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with milk: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the pan, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for a few minutes until the cheese sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Add a splash of ketchup or mustard for an authentic cheeseburger flavor twist.
- Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for creative variations.
- For extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef and onions.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
