Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is an easy and cheesy recipe, which is made with whole wheat elbow macaroni and lean ground beef. It’s the perfect one-pan weeknight dinner, ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 3/4 cup fat-free milk
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Minced chives
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add ingredients and simmer: To the same skillet with the cooked beef, stir in the uncooked macaroni, beef broth, milk, ketchup, steak seasoning, mustard, and onion powder.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Sprinkle with minced chives before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent a greasy dish: Using 90% lean ground beef is key. Also, be sure to drain any rendered fat from the skillet after browning the beef before you add the other ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta shape will work well. Try using small shells, rotini, or cavatappi in place of the elbow macaroni.
- How do I know when the macaroni is done? The pasta is done when it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick, saucy consistency. The total simmer time will be around 10-15 minutes.
- Can I use regular milk instead of fat-free? Absolutely. Any type of milk, from skim to whole, will work just fine in this recipe.
What To Serve With Cheeseburger Macaroni
This is a hearty one-pan meal, so simple sides are the best complement.
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side of dill pickle spears
- Toasted garlic bread
How To Store Cheeseburger Macaroni
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so it will be thicker upon reheating. Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 338 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and cheesy, not spicy. The Montreal steak seasoning adds a peppery, savory flavor but is not hot.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, this is a great way to add extra nutrition. You could sauté some chopped onions or bell peppers before browning the beef, or stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
What is Montreal steak seasoning?
It’s a popular spice blend typically containing coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and dill. It’s a key ingredient for that classic u0022burgeru0022 flavor in this dish. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Description
A quick and easy one-pan cheeseburger macaroni that combines lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar sauce for the perfect weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain the grease.
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni, beef broth, milk, ketchup, steak seasoning, mustard, and onion powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with minced chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThis is a true one-pan meal; the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, making cleanup a breeze.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing 90% lean beef and draining the fat are important steps to ensure the dish isn’t greasy.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe sauce will thicken significantly as the pasta cooks and absorbs the liquid.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFeel free to customize with a different short pasta shape or by adding extra vegetables.u003c/liu003e
