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A generous serving of creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni in a bowl, garnished with breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley.
Layla

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

A creamy, cheesy, and savory one-pot meal that combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty macaroni. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 562
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 cups Beef Broth low-sodium
  • 1 cup Whole Milk or evaporated milk for extra creaminess
  • 1 can (15 oz) Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly shredded for best melting
Optional Toppings
  • Diced dill pickles
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Crumbled crispy bacon
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Brown the Beef and Aromatics
  1. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Build the Sauce and Cook Pasta
  1. Add the uncooked macaroni, stir, and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Cheese
  1. Let rest for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.

Notes

For an even creamier sauce, use evaporated milk instead of whole milk. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers along with the onion for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.