Cheeseburger Macaroni

Oh wow, this cheeseburger macaroni? It’s a total game-changer. Think juicy beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all in one cozy dish.

It’s like the best of a cheeseburger and mac & cheese had a delicious baby. Plus, it’s made in one pan, so cleanup is easy-peasy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something warm, cheesy, and crazy good.

Every bite is loaded with cheesy, beefy goodness. It’s rich, comforting, and way better than the boxed stuff. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Let’s get cooking! Grab your skillet, and I’ll walk you through this easy, mouthwatering recipe. You’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup effortless.
• Hearty and Satisfying: A protein-packed meal with beef, cheese, and pasta that keeps you full.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: A dish the whole family will enjoy with familiar, comforting flavors.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together for a delicious meal.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings, cheese, or pasta to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 35 minutes

Servings

• Makes 4 servings as a main dish.
• Can be doubled for meal prep or larger families.

Difficulty Level

• Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this creamy, cheesy cheeseburger macaroni, you’ll need:

✔ Large Skillet or Dutch Oven – A deep, heavy-bottomed pan works best for even cooking.
✔ Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the beef and pasta.
✔ Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
✔ Cutting Board and Knife – For dicing the onion.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil – Helps brown the beef evenly.
• 1 pound lean ground beef – Provides rich, beefy flavor without excess grease.
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a mild kick (optional).
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the flavors.
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth) – Helps cook the pasta and build the sauce.
• 1/3 cup ketchup – Brings a slightly tangy, sweet flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – Provides a subtle tangy kick.
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni – The star of the dish, perfectly absorbing the cheesy sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Chopped parsley (optional) – For garnish and added freshness.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Onions

• Heat 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 diced medium sweet onion.
• Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain any excess grease if necessary.

2. Add Seasonings and Tomato Base

• Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well.
• Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/3 cup ketchup, and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
• Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomato paste to slightly caramelize.

3. Add Broth and Macaroni

• Pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth) and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Stir in 2 cups of uncooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the macaroni simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Stir in Cheese for a Creamy Sauce

• Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat.
• Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) for added color and freshness.
• Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni

This dish is best served fresh, while the cheese is warm and gooey. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Style: Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette.
• Topped with Pickles: For a true cheeseburger-inspired twist, add diced dill pickles on top.
• Loaded Cheeseburger Mac: Garnish with crushed crispy bacon and a drizzle of yellow mustard.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Macaroni

This dish is meal-prep friendly and stores well for later.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Place cooled cheeseburger macaroni in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to modify the recipe:

Protein Options:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Cheese Swaps:

• Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
• Stir in a little cream cheese for added richness.

Extra Flavor Boosts:

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
• Stir in diced tomatoes or green chilies for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Mix in a spoonful of sour cream for a tangy, creamy texture.

Make It Spicier:

• Add hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~450 kcal
Protein	~28g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~18g
Saturated Fat	~8g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~7g
Sodium	~800mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Cheeseburger Macaroni FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cheeseburger Macaroni can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute yellow mustard or omit it entirely if preferred.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While macaroni is traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make it creamier?

For an extra creamy sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese before stirring in the cheese.