Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder!

Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with this incredible **Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac!** It’s a one-pan dish that combines the comforting flavors of hamburger mac and cheese with the vibrant, herbaceous punch of pesto. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for busy families. Forget multiple pots and pans – this recipe streamlines the cooking process, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. We’re talking perfectly browned ground beef, tender pasta shells, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a generous dollop of pesto to tie it all together. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create this gourmet-tasting comfort food. This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the cheese, or adjust the amount of pesto to create your own signature version. Let’s dive in!

## Why You’ll Love This Pesto Hamburger Mac

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in a single pan, saving you time and effort.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavor-Packed:** The combination of ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and vibrant pesto creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture). You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
* **Pasta Shells:** 1 pound of medium pasta shells. You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups of beef broth. This is the cooking liquid for the pasta and helps create the creamy sauce. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute, but beef broth provides a richer flavor.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Use your favorite cheddar cheese, such as mild, medium, or sharp. You can also use a blend of cheddar and other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
* **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Adds a melty and stretchy texture to the dish.
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup of prepared pesto. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto. Fresh pesto will have the best flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Used for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the ground beef and the finished dish to your liking.
* **Optional Toppings:** Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Cook the Pasta**

1. Add the pasta shells and beef broth to the skillet.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the broth has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
3. If the pasta is absorbing the broth too quickly, add a little more broth or water to the skillet.

**Step 4: Add the Cheese and Cream**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk to thin it out.

**Step 5: Stir in the Pesto**

1. Stir in the pesto until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Different Types of Ground Meat:** Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet along with the onion and garlic. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and flavorful twist.
* **Use Homemade Pesto:** For the best flavor, use homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
* **Bake it:** Transfer the finished Hamburger Mac to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the pasta, beef broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender. Stir in the heavy cream, cheese, and pesto before serving.
* **Add a Breadcrumb Topping:** Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking for a crispy topping.

## Serving Suggestions

This Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
* **Serve with Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Serve with Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Make it a Potluck Dish:** This mac and cheese is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how:

* **Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta al dente (slightly undercooked) and drain. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply combine the ground beef mixture, pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, and cheese in a skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the pesto and serve.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little milk or broth if needed to thin out the sauce.

This dish is also freezer-friendly. Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 600-700
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 35-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-55g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?** Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne.
* **Can I use a different type of cheese?** Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or provolone.
* **Can I make this dish vegetarian?** Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables instead. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute.
* **Can I make this dish dairy-free?** Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and cream substitutes. Be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure they are vegan and gluten-free if needed.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?** Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking. If the pasta starts to stick, add a little more broth or water to the skillet.
* **How do I make the sauce thicker?** If the sauce is too thin, simmer it over low heat for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
* **Can I use store-bought pesto?** Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought pesto. Fresh pesto will have the best flavor.
* **Can I add other vegetables?** Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

## Conclusion

This **Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac** is a winning recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. The combination of ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and vibrant pesto is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed one-pan wonder! Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see your own variations and customizations. Happy cooking!

Enjoy this delightful Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac, and let us know in the comments how you personalized it to your taste!