Print

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni - recipe card
Print Recipe

This cozy one-skillet dinner combines seasoned ground beef with tender macaroni in a rich, cheesy sauce that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s creamy, savory, and topped with melty cheddar for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, diced pickles, ketchup, or mustard
  • No pork or bacon used in this recipe

Instructions

  1. Heat a large 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the beef broth and whole milk, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the grated cheddar cheese and cubed butter, then stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. The pasta should be tender, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  9. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh parsley, pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard if you like an extra cheeseburger vibe.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; freeze in a freezer-safe container after cooling completely. Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creaminess, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. For a crispy top, you can also broil the reheated pasta in an oven-safe dish at 400°F (204°C) for 3-4 minutes after topping with extra cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, beef mac and cheese, hamburger helper alternative, easy weeknight dinner, one skillet pasta, creamy beef macaroni, ground beef pasta recipe, family favorite, cheesy pasta dish, American comfort food, stovetop casserole, Pioneer Woman style

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cheeseburger-macaroni-recipe/