Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up an easy one pot cheeseburger macaroni! This nostalgic, creamy dish comes together fast, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (80/20)
02 -
1 ½ cups Elbow Macaroni
03 -
2 ½ cups Beef Broth
04 -
14 ½ oz Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
1 small Onion (diced)
06 -
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
07 -
1/4 cup Ketchup
08 -
1 tbsp Mustard
→ Creamy Goodness
09 -
Milk (whole or 2%)
10 -
1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
1 tsp Salt
12 -
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
13 -
Pickle Relish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab your biggest pot, a Dutch oven works wonders for this Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. Heat it over medium-high heat and toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown. Once it’s mostly cooked, drain off any excess fat—I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess on the counter (which, honestly, happens more often than I'd like to admit). Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and smells fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, that smell, it's the start of something good!
02 -
Now, push the beef and onion to one side of the pot. Add your minced garlic to the cleared space and let it cook for about a minute until it’s super fragrant. Don't let it burn; that's a mistake I made once, and the whole dish tasted… off. Stir it all together, then pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!), ketchup, and mustard. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic begins to happen, creating that savory foundation for our cheeseburger macaroni.
03 -
It's time for the pasta! Stir in your elbow macaroni. Make sure it's mostly submerged in the liquid; if it’s not, add a tiny splash more broth, but don't overdo it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking—I always forget this the first few minutes and end up with a bit of a stuck bottom, oops!
04 -
Once the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time for the creamy goodness. Pour in the milk and stir it through. Let it heat up for a couple of minutes, stirring gently. You'll see it start to thicken slightly, creating that luscious sauce. This step is crucial for the texture of your Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, don't rush it!
05 -
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir, stir, stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. This is the best part, watching that cheese transform everything into a gooey, irresistible dish! If it seems a little thick, a tiny splash more milk can loosen it up. Taste it here, and if you need more salt or pepper, now's your chance to adjust.
06 -
Your Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is ready! Ladle generous portions into bowls. If you're feeling fancy, or just want that extra burger kick, sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheddar, some chopped fresh parsley, or that optional pickle relish. It should be creamy, cheesy, and smell absolutely divine. Get ready for happy faces around the table, because this dish is always a hit!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue to absorb liquid and cook even after you take it off the heat, so aim for al dente.
02 -
Always shred your own cheddar cheese for the best melt and creamiest sauce; pre-shredded just doesn't compare.
03 -
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little extra salt or a grind of fresh pepper can make all the difference.
04 -
For an extra layer of flavor, try a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef – it adds a lovely savory depth.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 30 g