One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

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One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick and easy meal you’ll love. You can make this tasty dish in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients. It combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of macaroni and cheese.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. You’ll only need one pot, which means less cleanup. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cheesy, meaty pasta dish.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

This classic comfort food dish needs just a few key ingredients. You can easily swap some items based on what’s in your pantry.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef and onions in a large pot. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Pour in broth, milk, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender. Mix in cheese and seasonings.

Possible Substitutes

You can swap ground turkey for beef to make it leaner. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth if needed. Any short pasta shape works in place of elbows.

For a dairy-free version, try plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Gluten-free pasta is a good option for those avoiding wheat.

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra veggies. Spice it up with chili powder or hot sauce if you like it zesty.

Instructions

Ready to make a tasty one-pot cheeseburger macaroni? Let’s get started!

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 6-7 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Brown the ground beef in the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Make sure the noodles are covered by the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squirt of ketchup for extra flavor if you like.

Serve your one-pot cheeseburger macaroni hot and enjoy your homemade meal!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni even better with these handy tips:

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. For extra flavor, try adding diced bacon or ground sausage.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Stop cooking when it’s al dente to avoid mushy noodles.

Add a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick. This will help keep it creamy and smooth.

Try different cheese blends for unique flavors. Sharp cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack work great.

Storing leftovers is easy:

• Let the dish cool completely
• Put it in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days

To reheat, add a little milk and warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

For a quick freezer meal, portion cooled leftovers into freezer bags. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.