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One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

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3.9 from 35 reviews

One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with tender macaroni pasta, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Crispy bacon, ground beef, and a cheesy sauce flavored with tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Protein

  • 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)

Condiments and Flavorings

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Carbohydrates

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for quick prep. Add the bacon pieces to a soup pot or Dutch oven and fry them over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
  2. Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened, approximately 8 minutes. Drain off most of the excess fat from the pot to keep the dish from being too greasy.
  3. Add Flavorings and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth into the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil to combine all the flavors.
  4. Cook the Macaroni: Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to a medium setting to maintain a rapid simmer, and cook uncovered for about 13-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the mixture every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon pieces, reserving some bacon and cheese for topping if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld. To create a cheesy top layer, stir in about three-quarters of the cheese, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and cover the pot to help the cheese melt faster.
  6. Serve: Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot, optionally topped with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped pickles for added tang and crunch.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the dish.
  • Stirring frequently during pasta cooking prevents sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
  • Pickles are optional but add a nice tangy contrast typical of cheeseburgers.
  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to slightly lighten the dish.
  • For extra cheesiness, use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
  • Make sure to drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy texture.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-recipe/