Description
This easy one-pot Cheeseburger Macaroni combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese with classic burger-inspired flavors. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a simple and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chopped pickles, optional
Cooked crumbled bacon, optional
Extra shredded cheddar, optional
Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Heat a large deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4.
5. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute.
6.
7. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add the milk, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth and combined.
8.
9. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the pasta becomes tender. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed.
10.
11. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, allowing it to melt before adding more. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the macaroni.
12.
13. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the Cheeseburger Macaroni rest for 2–3 minutes.
14.
15. Divide among bowls and add optional chopped pickles, extra cheddar, cooked bacon, or fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
For a smoother cheese sauce, reduce the heat before adding the cheddar.
Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
If the sauce becomes too thick while the macaroni cooks, stir in a small splash of milk or beef broth.
Store cooled leftovers promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.
Add a small splash of milk when reheating to help loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
Keywords: Cheeseburger Macaroni, one-pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, easy ground beef dinner, cheesy macaroni