Cheesy Beef & Elbow Pasta
If you’re craving a quick, hearty meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, this cheesy beef macaroni is the homemade version of hamburger helper you didn’t know you needed! Made in just one pot, this cheeseburger macaroni is packed with sharp cheddar cheese, a rich beef mixture, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni noodles—all coated in a savory, creamy sauce.
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Servings: 8
Calories: 483kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 small white onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ red pepper flakes
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth/chicken stock I use better than bouillon dissolved in water
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream for extra tang
- 3 cups elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Olive oil if using ground turkey or chicken
Instructions
Cook the Meat Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil if using ground turkey or ground chicken
- Add the lean ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook until brown ground beef forms, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease, if needed.
Build the Flavor
- Add the 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Make a little space in the middle of the pan and stir in the 2 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook it for 2-3 minutes or until it is a deep red hue.
- Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup marinara sauce and ½ cup heavy cream.
Cook the Pasta & Shred Cheese
- Stir in the 3 cups elbow macaroni noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta absorbs the sauce and becomes tender. If you run out of liquid before it is done, add in broth or heavy cream ½ cup at a time.
- While that is cooking, shred your ½ cup mozzarella and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
Make It Cheesy!
- Once the pasta is cooked to al dente or your preferred doneness, turn off the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.For an extra creamy finish, stir in sour cream or an extra splash of heavy cream.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 449IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 3mg