The rich aroma of melted cheese and sizzling ground beef fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a comforting dish that promises to deliver all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one easy-to-make meal. Chili Mac and Cheese variation.
Picture this: a chilly evening, your family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as you serve up heaping plates of this creamy delight. It’s not just food; it’s happiness in a bowl, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks
- The flavor profile combines savory beef and gooey cheese that will satisfy any comfort food craving
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning every meal into a feast for the eyes
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or veggies
Whenever I whip up this dish, my kids practically bounce off the walls with excitement. It’s become our go-to recipe for Friday movie nights—nothing beats cheesy goodness while watching our favorite flicks. low-carb alternative dish.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Elbow Macaroni: Use small elbow-shaped pasta for the best texture; it easily holds onto the sauce.
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Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it hearty but not greasy; turkey can work too if you prefer. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Beef Stroganoff recipe recipe.
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Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; grate it fresh for better melting.
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Onion: A sweet onion adds depth to your dish; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
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Garlic Powder: This will boost the savory notes of your dish without overpowering other flavors.
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Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps cook the pasta perfectly while infusing flavor throughout.
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Milk: Creamy milk balances out the richness of the cheese and helps create a luscious sauce.
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Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments add a classic cheeseburger taste; adjust according to your preference!
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Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients and bring everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and toss in diced onions. Sauté until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Browning the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot with onions. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in elbow macaroni along with beef broth and milk. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until pasta is tender—about 8-10 minutes.
Melt in Cheese : Once pasta is cooked through, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into gooey perfection.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings : Add ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder according to your taste preferences. Stir well to combine all flavors.
Serve It Up!: Spoon generous portions into bowls while it’s still warm! Top with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired for that extra flair.
And there you have it! A delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. spicy macaroni salad option Enjoy the smiles as everyone digs into this cheesy masterpiece!
You Must Know
- This One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The cheesy goodness and savory flavors create a delightful comfort food experience, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
- Plus, minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your masterpiece
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef first, then add the pasta and broth simultaneously to cook together for maximum flavor and efficiency.

Add Your Touch
Try swapping out ground beef for turkey or adding veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfection, ensure your pasta is al dente before serving
- Avoid overcooking the beef to retain its juiciness
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors and textures that elevate your dish
Cooking this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni reminds me of college nights when friends gathered around my tiny kitchen table, laughter filling the air as we devoured bowls of cheesy goodness.

FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just adjust cooking times according to package instructions for best results.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to kick up the taste.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy pasta dish. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Enjoy this delightful meal in just 30 minutes, and watch as smiles light up the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions in a splash of oil until soft.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender (8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm in bowls; garnish with extra cheese or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg




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