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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni with Dill Pickles

creamy one-pot cheeseburger macaroni - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining nostalgic cheeseburger flavors with creamy pasta and a tangy crunch from dill pickles. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (600 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup milk (240 ml), whole or 2%
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 grams)
  • ½ cup dill pickles, chopped (about 75 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour in 2 ½ cups beef broth and 1 cup milk. Stir in 8 ounces elbow macaroni. Combine well.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  5. Remove lid and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Fold in ½ cup chopped dill pickles.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.
  7. Serve immediately, spooning into bowls and enjoying warm.

Notes

Brown the beef well to build flavor and avoid a boiled meat taste. Add pickles at the end to keep their crunch and brightness. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. If sauce thickens on cooling, reheat gently with a splash of milk. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring to keep pasta intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, dill pickles, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe