Flavorful, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food. Picture this: a creamy, dreamy concoction of macaroni swimming in a velvety cheese sauce, all infused with the irresistible taste of juicy cheeseburgers. more delicious one-pot meals This dish brings together every flavor you love about a classic cheeseburger, minus the messy assembly. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made this delightful recipe for my family. They were skeptical at first—who wouldn’t be? But after one bite, they were hooked! It quickly became our go-to weeknight dinner. Perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends, this dish is pure nostalgia in every spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni offers easy preparation that saves time on cleanup
- The rich and comforting flavors are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters
- Visually appealing with its creamy texture, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- Versatile enough for any meal occasion, it can be customized with your favorite toppings or ingredients
Looking back, I can’t help but smile at how my kids devoured their plates without leaving a crumb behind. Their laughter filled the room as they fought over who got the last scoop.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Elbow Macaroni: A classic choice that holds onto cheese beautifully; feel free to swap with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best here; choose 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
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Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness; yellow onions are great for this dish, but white onions will work too.
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Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor; freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
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Garlic Powder: This adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile; fresh garlic is also an option if preferred.
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Beef Broth: Using broth instead of water adds richness; low-sodium options allow you to control saltiness better.
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Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce; feel free to use whole milk or any plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by browning your meat: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add ground beef along with chopped onion. Cook until browned and onions are translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Next, drain excess grease: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot to keep your dish from becoming too greasy while maintaining that savory flavor.
Add pasta and liquids: Stir in elbow macaroni along with beef broth and milk. Bring everything to a gentle boil so those noodles can soak up all that goodness.
Simmer until cooked: Reduce heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in cheese: Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted into a gooey sauce that hugs each piece of pasta perfectly.
Serve hot: Dish out your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni into bowls and sprinkle with optional toppings like diced tomatoes or green onions for added freshness. share your recipe variations.
Now that’s how you create a magical dinner that makes everyone happy! This recipe proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about bringing flavors together in one pot!
You Must Know
- This one-pot cheeseburger macaroni recipe combines comfort and flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich aroma of melting cheese and simmering ground beef fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere
- Perfect for the whole family, it’s a meal you’ll crave again and again
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by browning the ground beef first. Then add the pasta and sauce ingredients together, allowing everything to simmer until perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or veggie crumbles. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to revive creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking your macaroni, ensure it’s al dente for the best texture
- Always taste as you go for seasoning adjustments
- Remember to let it cool before storing to maintain quality
The first time I made this one-pot cheeseburger macaroni for my family, they devoured every bite! Their smiles were all the feedback I needed, proving that comfort food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I make one-pot cheeseburger macaroni ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it in advance saves time on busy nights.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as alternatives.
How do I add more vegetables?
Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach during cooking for added nutrition. cooking guidelines and tips.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni in a single pot. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering a nostalgic taste that will satisfy the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a hearty meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until cooked through and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Add elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like diced tomatoes or green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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