One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Easy, filling, and ready in about 30 minutes this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni brings cheeseburger flavor to a simple pasta dinner.

This dish cooks in one pot. It uses ground beef, pasta, and cheese. You make a quick sauce in the same pot you cook the meat and pasta. If you want a bacon twist, try a similar idea like Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. This meal is good for busy nights and for kids who love cheeseburgers.

Why make this recipe

• It is fast and simple.
• You only clean one pot.
• It tastes like a cheeseburger in pasta form.
• It uses common ingredients you may already have.

How to make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Step by step, keep it simple:

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until beef is done. Drain extra fat.
2. Add elbow macaroni, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir so things mix.
3. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender and most liquid is gone, about 10–12 minutes.
4. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar. Heat until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Serve warm.

Ingredients :

1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cups elbow macaroni, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!

How to serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Serve hot in bowls.
• Top with extra shredded cheddar or chopped parsley.
• Add a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad to balance the meal.
• Offer ketchup or pickles on the side for a true cheeseburger touch.

How to store One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Cool to room temperature before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk while reheating if it feels dry.
• You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Use medium heat to avoid burning the pasta.
• Stir often while simmering so pasta cooks evenly.
• If sauce gets too thick, add a little more milk or broth.
• Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

Variations

• Add cooked bacon for more flavor.
• Stir in frozen peas or corn at the end for extra veggies.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Use small pasta like shells or small elbows. Cooking time may change slightly.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and vegetable broth.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir well while it cooks and use enough broth. Lower heat if it sticks.

Can I make this ahead for a potluck?
You can cook it ahead and reheat. Add a little milk when reheating to keep it creamy.

Is this meal kid-friendly?
Yes. The flavors are simple and familiar, so kids usually enjoy it.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

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A quick and easy one-pot dish that brings delicious cheeseburger flavors to pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

For extra flavors, add cooked bacon or swap the beef for ground turkey. Use sharp cheddar for a more robust taste.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None