Irresistible One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

There’s something about a steaming bowl of One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni that just calls to you, isn’t there? The creamy cheese, the tender pasta, and the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the kitchen create an instant sense of comfort. one-pot chicken pot pie Imagine sinking your spoon into that cheesy goodness, each bite bursting with flavors reminiscent of your favorite backyard barbecue. creamy marry me lentils cheesy mashed potato puffs For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

Now, let me take you back to a rainy day when I decided to whip up this dish for my family. The kitchen was filled with laughter as we reminisced over past meals while waiting for the magic to happen in the pot. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight or an impromptu gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is super easy to make; you’ll have dinner on the table in no time
  • The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, perfect for comfort food lovers
  • Its inviting appearance makes it a hit at any dinner table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch leftovers or meal prep throughout the week

I still remember my best friend’s reaction the first time I served this at a game night—he nearly licked his bowl clean!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

  • Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice; it holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor that complements the beef.

  • Diced Tomatoes: They add moisture and a touch of acidity to balance out the richness.

  • Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic enhance the savory depth of this dish.

  • Beef Broth: For cooking the macaroni; it adds extra flavor compared to water.

  • Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments bring that classic cheeseburger taste right into your bowl.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all those delicious flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left.

Sauté Aromatics: Toss in diced onions and minced garlic next. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The smell will be heavenly as they caramelize.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), ketchup, mustard, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined; watch as those ingredients mingle.

Simmer Away!: Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Keep an eye on it; stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Melt That Cheese!: Once your macaroni is al dente and most liquid has absorbed, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Your kitchen will smell amazing right now.

Serve and Enjoy!: Spoon generous servings into bowls. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy! Dive in while it’s hot for maximum cheesiness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni! Whether you’re entertaining friends or just enjoying some quiet time at home, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings!

You Must Know

  • One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to make
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, the comforting flavors create a delightful experience
  • Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef until golden, then add onions and garlic for flavor. Cook the macaroni directly in the pot with beef broth for convenience and rich taste.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Toss in your favorite cheese varieties or veggies to personalize the dish further.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use whole-grain pasta for added nutrition without sacrificing taste
  • Always season your meat well to enhance flavors before adding other ingredients
  • Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking

It was one of those crazy weeknights where everyone was starving, and I had just 30 minutes to whip something up. My One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni was born from this chaos, and it turned out to be a hit!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni?

For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe recipe.

You can easily use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles instead.

Can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni gluten-free?

Yes! Just replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. pasta bake with pumpkin sauce.

How do I make this dish creamier?

Adding more cheese or a splash of heavy cream will enhance the creaminess significantly.

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One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves about 6

Description

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese and tender pasta with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, bringing families together over a delicious meal. Just imagine indulging in every cheesy bite while reminiscing about backyard barbecues—this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), ketchup, mustard, and beef broth until well mixed.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.