When life gets busy, you need a recipe that’s quick, comforting, and requires minimal cleanup. Enter Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni—a meal that checks all the boxes. With tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, this dish tastes like your favorite cheeseburger in pasta form. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, so you don’t have to spend hours doing dishes.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this cheeseburger macaroni recipe will hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Macaroni
This recipe is everything you love about weeknight cooking: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It takes the classic flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, and a touch of mustard—and transforms them into a cozy pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just delicious, hearty food.
It’s also a family favorite, loved by kids and adults alike. And since it’s made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
Here’s what you’ll need to create this satisfying and creamy one-pot meal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Elbow macaroni, uncooked | 2 cups |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Macaroni
This recipe is incredibly straightforward and perfect for even beginner cooks. Follow these steps to create your new go-to dinner recipe.
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Pro Tip: Use lean ground beef for a lighter dish, or swap it for ground turkey if you prefer.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquid and Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything well to ensure the macaroni is fully submerged in the liquid.
Pro Tip: Adjust the seasoning to your taste—if you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Cook the Macaroni
- Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Incorporate the Cheese
- Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Pro Tip: Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the pot from heat and give the dish a final stir.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Pro Tip: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
The Flavors of Cheeseburger Macaroni
This dish captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in pasta form. The ground beef provides a savory base, while the paprika and mustard powder add subtle depth and a hint of tanginess. The diced tomatoes bring a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese sauce. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate—a nostalgic reminder of childhood meals, but elevated for the modern dinner table.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free.
- Add Protein: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon, cooked sausage, or even diced hot dogs for a meaty twist.
- Go Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a sharp white cheddar, for unique flavors.
FAQs About Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
2. Can I freeze cheeseburger macaroni?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Try penne, rotini, or shells for a fun twist.
4. What can I serve with cheeseburger macaroni?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
5. How do I make the sauce creamier?
For an extra creamy sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream when incorporating the cheese.
6. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, whole-grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion: Make Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Tonight!
Now that you know how to make this delicious and simple Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, there’s no reason not to give it a try. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, satisfying both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty texture. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own every time.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. Your taste buds (and your dishwashing routine) will thank you!
Print
Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bring the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table with this Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni! This recipe combines juicy ground beef, tender macaroni, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese for a nostalgic, hearty meal. With everything cooked in a single pot, it’s a fast, fuss-free dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquid and Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, ensuring the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.
4. Cook the Macaroni
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Incorporate the Cheese
- Lower the heat to its lowest setting.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese has fully melted, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American