Cheeseburger Macaroni with Cheddar Beef and Pasta (Print version)

A one-pot cheeseburger macaroni skillet with cheddar beef, tender pasta, burger sauce flavor, and a creamy finish.

# Ingredients:

For the beef base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
09 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the pasta and cheese

12 - 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium beef broth
13 - 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
14 - 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
15 - 2 oz (55 g) cream cheese, cubed
16 - 2 cups (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
17 - 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or sliced scallions

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and no longer pink.
02 - Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
03 - Add the beef broth, milk, and elbow macaroni. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 9-11 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
04 - Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add the cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
05 - Fold in the chopped pickles and parsley or scallions. Let the macaroni rest for 2 minutes before serving so the sauce clings to the pasta.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after cooking while the cheddar sauce is loose and creamy.
02 - If the pasta needs more time, add warm broth or water a few tablespoons at a time.
03 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.

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