One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni [30 Minutes] (2024)

One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, combining the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying but also want the simplicity and ease of a one-pot meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

There’s so much to love about this recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot for cooking, which means minimal cleanup. The combination of ground beef, pasta, cheese, and seasonings creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s both filling and comforting. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to satisfy a crowd or ensure you have delicious leftovers for the week.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Brown the Beef Well: For deep flavor, make sure to brown the ground beef nicely before adding other ingredients.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasonings to ensure your cheeseburger macaroni is flavorful.
• Use Quality Cheese: For the creamiest texture and best taste, use good-quality cheese and grate it yourself.
• Stir Frequently: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, stir the mixture regularly as it cooks.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Mix in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions for added nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free if needed.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a hearty meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the dish. For a truly indulgent experience, serve with garlic bread or crispy onion rings. Beverage-wise, a light beer or a glass of milk complements the richness of the macaroni perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
• Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables.
• Is it possible to use pre-shredded cheese? While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce. Grating your own cheese is recommended for the best texture.
• Can I cook the pasta in the sauce? Yes, that’s the beauty of a one-pot meal! The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.

One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

See Also

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Dive into the comforting embrace of One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, where cheesy goodness meets hearty flavors in a simple, family-friendly dish. It's the ultimate comfort food makeover, promising minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add the uncooked macaroni, stirring well.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add more cheese or a dollop of cream cheese.

A splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor.

For a crispy topping, broil the macaroni with extra cheese on top for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 682Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 159mgSodium: 1064mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 51g