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One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Comfort Food Made Healthier

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni offers a healthier twist on a nostalgic favorite, combining clean ingredients in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef substitute with ground turkey if desired
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste ensure it's fresh
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce reduce for a less tangy flavor
  • 1 tsp Paprika use smoked paprika for extra flavor
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder or adjust with yellow mustard
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Pasta & Liquids
  • 3 cups Beef Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni or gluten-free pasta
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then add elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for about 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and gradually sprinkle in grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent separation. Use block cheese for a smoother melting experience.

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