A quick dinner idea that's both comforting and packed with flavor, combining tender beef, savory stir fry ingredients, and creamy cheese in a one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
Salt (for boiling water)
1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup milk
¼ teaspoon paprika
Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the beef and vegetables. Add black pepper and grated ginger. Stir to combine.
In a small bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
Add the drained macaroni to the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and mix thoroughly until everything is coated.
Once heated, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
