If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying, look no further than cheeseburger macaroni. This hearty dish brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy, satisfying dish, cheeseburger macaroni checks all the boxes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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One-Pot Wonder This entire dish comes together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
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Fast and Family-Friendly Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Customizable You can adjust the spices, cheese, and even add vegetables to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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Comfort Food Classic With its rich, cheesy sauce and savory beef, this recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make classic cheeseburger macaroni from scratch:
For the Main Dish:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup diced tomatoes or canned
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½ cup frozen peas or corn
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½ teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes for spice
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 to 6
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Macaroni
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Stir in the tomato paste, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then pour in the beef broth and milk. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time until completely melted and creamy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Choose the Right Cheese
Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Control the Thickness
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Use Quality Ground Beef
Opt for ground beef with a little fat (like 80/20) for the best flavor. Leaner beef works, but you may need more seasoning.
Variations to Try
Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni
Add taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex twist.
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni
Stir in crispy cooked bacon at the end for added crunch and flavor.
Vegetarian Version
Swap the beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Bake
Transfer the cooked dish into a casserole dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Macaroni
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Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up that cheesy sauce.
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Pickles: Add tang and crunch, just like on a real cheeseburger.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans work well.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
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Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Pre-Chop Ingredients: Dice onions and measure seasonings ahead of time for faster cooking.
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Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for later.
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Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: Saves time, though freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Nutrition Overview (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 680mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great and reduces the fat content. You may want to boost the seasonings for flavor.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Penne, shells, or rotini can replace elbow macaroni.
Is cheeseburger macaroni spicy?
Not inherently. For heat, add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese for cheeseburger macaroni?
Sharp cheddar is most common, but feel free to mix in Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger macaroni is a cozy, satisfying, and downright delicious dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can bring the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger and macaroni together in perfect harmony. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix it up with creative add-ins, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.