Description
A hearty and cheesy cheeseburger-inspired pasta dish made with ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich cheddar cheese, all cooked in a savory broth for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
Seasonings & Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 ounces uncooked macaroni or other pasta shells
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
Cheese & Garnish
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil & Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings & Thicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the meat mixture, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to evenly coat everything.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken or beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Adjust Seasonings & Add Cheese: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and cook for a minute until melted.
- Finish & Serve: Top with the remaining cheese, cover with a lid, and cook on low for 1 minute to melt the cheese. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers heat up well; ensure the dish is at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- This dish freezes well; store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
