Hearty One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni (Print Version)

This creamy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a weeknight lifesaver. Savory, cheesy, and so easy to make, your family will ask for it again and again.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 - 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
03 - 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
06 - 1 small onion, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - 1/4 cup ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Cheesy Goodness

14 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

→ Finishing Touches

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
17 - Pickle chips (for serving, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your biggest, heaviest pot or Dutch oven. Mine's a little chipped, but it works like a champ! Get that ground beef in there over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and let it get nicely browned and crumbly. This is where the flavor starts, so don't rush it. Once it's cooked through, drain off any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop it out. Then, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir 'em around until they get fragrant and soft, maybe 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell! That's the smell of a good meal coming together, hon.
02 - Now for the good stuff! Stir in your ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix, letting those flavors meld with the beef and aromatics for a minute or two. You want everything to be coated and smelling amazing. This is where the 'cheeseburger' part really starts to shine. I remember one time I added a little too much mustard, and it was a bit sharp, so taste as you go! It’s all about balance, you know? Just keep stirring and breathing in those delicious smells.
03 - Pour in your beef broth and milk. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor, don't let them go to waste! Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is crucial because it creates the liquid base that will cook our pasta. I usually watch for those tiny bubbles to just start breaking the surface. Don’t let it boil aggressively; a gentle simmer is what we're aiming for here.
04 - Now, add your elbow macaroni right into the pot. Make sure it's submerged in the liquid. Give it a good stir, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. This is where I always remind myself to stir every couple of minutes, or else the pasta will stick to the bottom – trust me, I've had that kitchen disaster more times than I care to admit! The liquid will get absorbed, and the pasta will plump up. Keep an eye on it; you want it tender, not mushy.
05 - Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it's time for the best part! Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth, creating a super creamy sauce. Then, add about two-thirds of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir, stir, stir until it's all melted and beautifully incorporated. The sauce will thicken up and get wonderfully rich. This is where it really transforms into that comforting One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. It’s messy and cheesy, just how I like it!
06 - Ladle your creamy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni into bowls. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each serving – because extra cheese is never a bad idea, right? If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. I love to serve it with some crunchy pickle chips on the side, just like a real cheeseburger. The whole thing smells incredibly savory and looks so inviting. It’s ready to devour! Enjoy this easy, cheesy goodness.

# Notes:

01 - Always stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container and add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
03 - Swap ground beef for ground turkey, but add extra seasoning for flavor. I tried it once, and it needed more oomph!
04 - Serve with a crisp green salad and some pickle chips for that authentic cheeseburger experience.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - wooden spoon

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 28g

Back