Hearty One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni for Weeknights (Print Version)

Whip up this easy One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni for a quick, comforting family dinner. Cheesy, meaty, and so simple for busy weeknights!

# 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 ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
05 - 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
06 - 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
07 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided)

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 2 tbsp ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
11 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings & Spices

12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - Salt to taste
14 - Black pepper to taste

→ Optional Finishing Touches

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your biggest pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tiny splash of oil, then toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it brown beautifully. Once it's mostly cooked through, drain off any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess. Then, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell at this stage is just heavenly, a promise of good things to come!
02 - Now for the good stuff! Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Let these cook with the beef and aromatics for about a minute, stirring constantly. This step really helps to deepen their flavors and get them nice and toasty. I always make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; that's pure flavor right there, don't let it go to waste! This is where the magic starts for your One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni.
03 - Pour in the beef broth and milk. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add your elbow macaroni. Stir it well to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. This is where I always remind myself to stir every so often, or else the pasta sticks, and that's just a bummer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
04 - During those 10-12 minutes, remember to stir the One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni occasionally, maybe every 2-3 minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Seriously, I’ve had my share of burnt pasta bottoms, and it’s not fun to clean! Keep an eye on the liquid; if it’s looking a little dry and the pasta isn’t quite done, add another splash of broth or milk. You want the pasta tender, but not mushy, and the sauce should be nice and thick, coating everything.
05 - Once the pasta is cooked to your liking and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. This is the moment we've all been waiting for! Stir in about ¾ of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and luscious. Taste it here, and adjust any seasonings – a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash more mustard if you feel it needs that extra zing. This transforms it into true One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni.
06 - Divide the warm and comforting One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni into bowls. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of each serving. If you're feeling fancy, a little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Serve it immediately while it's still warm and gooey. The smell, the warmth, the sheer cheesy goodness – honestly, this dish always brings smiles to the table, even on the most hectic of evenings. Enjoy your cheesy, meaty masterpiece!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese; it melts so much better and avoids a gritty texture.
02 - For leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.
03 - Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings at the end – a little extra salt or a dash of mustard can make it sing.
04 - Consider adding a side of crisp pickles or a simple green salad to cut through the richness.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - measuring cups and spoons
03 - stirring spoon
04 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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