Homestyle One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up hearty one-pot cheeseburger macaroni! This easy, comforting recipe brings classic diner flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium)
05 -
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
06 -
2 cups (300g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
1/4 cup (60g) ketchup
08 -
2 tbsp (30g) yellow mustard
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Dairy & Finishers
12 -
2 cups (220g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
→ Optional Toppings
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
14 -
Dill pickle slices
15 -
Crispy fried onions
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your biggest pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown beautifully, really get some color on it – that’s where the flavor lives, hon! Drain off any excess fat, then toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to look translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic for just a minute until it smells amazing, being super careful not to burn it like I almost did last Tuesday!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Stir in your ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper right into the beef and onion mixture. Let it cook for another minute, stirring, to really meld those flavors together. This step is crucial for that signature cheeseburger taste, honestly. Don't rush it, let those aromas fill your kitchen. It’s like magic happening in your pot!
03 -
Pour in the beef broth and whole milk. Give everything a good stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's extra flavor right there! Then, add your elbow macaroni. Make sure it's mostly submerged in the liquid. If it looks a little dry, a tiny splash more broth won't hurt. Bring it to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook.
04 -
Let the One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. This is where I always forget to stir enough and end up with a few sticky bits at the bottom, so learn from my mistakes! You want that pasta to absorb the liquid and get nice and plump. Keep an eye on it; you don't want it to boil over, like my pot once did, creating a milky mess on the stovetop. Oops!
05 -
Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Now for the best part: stir in your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it's completely melted and gloriously creamy. This is where the dish truly transforms into that comforting, cheesy dream. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, I swear!
06 -
Give your One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni a final taste test. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling feisty? Adjust to your liking. Serve it up immediately, perhaps with some extra shredded cheese on top or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It should be warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. My kitchen always smells incredible at this point, like a gourmet diner!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the browning of the beef; it builds so much flavor, honestly.
02 -
Leftovers are great, but sometimes the pasta can absorb a lot of sauce, so a splash of milk when reheating helps.
03 -
If you don't have cheddar, a mix of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack works in a pinch, I tried it once!
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some crispy fried onions takes this from good to 'wow, you made this?!'
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g