One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Total: 30 min
  • Active: 30 min
Nostalgic for the boxed cheeseburger macaroni dinner from your childhood? Then whip up this homemade version of Hamburger Helper that’s just as satisfying as the classic. The recipe is super quick and budget-friendly, leaning on pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. We use shredded Cheddar to make the dish extra cheesy and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh bite. Perhaps best of all: Everything cooks in one pot, even the pasta!
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound ground beef, 80/20

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

5 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth

10 ounces elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded Cheddar, about 8 ounces

4 ounces cream cheese

1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped, plus more for garnish, optional

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef and break it up into small pieces with a large spoon; cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon until combined. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 teaspoon salt, stir to combine and bring to a boil, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is al dente, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the parsley. Garnish with more parsley, if desired.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Raymond

LOVE this! You can change the type of noodles and cheese you use each time for a new dish every time. I used half mild cheddar and half Colby jack with shells instead of macaroni. It says the red pepper flakes are optional but it definitely is better with it! I also used onion and garlic powder instead of actual onions and garlic but mixed all the spices in the meat before cooking it.

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