Craving all the mouthwatering goodness of a cheeseburger in a cozy, home-cooked meal? One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni turns everyone’s favorite indulgence into a weeknight win, delivering bold flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta in a single skillet. With just a handful of simple ingredients and only one pot to clean, it’s comfort food magic—no drive-thru required. Savor a dish that’s as fun as it is unfussy, and see why One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is my go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few basic staples can transform into such rich, robust flavor. Each ingredient for One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni plays its part, from juicy beef to creamy cheddar, creating irresistible color and texture right in one pan.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for the perfect juicy texture—drain excess fat for a lighter feel.
- Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni holds the sauce beautifully, but any small pasta shape works in a pinch.
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded melts smoother and gives that signature cheesy pull.
- Beef Broth: Infuses every bite with savory depth, echoing the true cheeseburger experience.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds subtle umami and a burger-like tang that wakes up the flavors.
- Onion, diced: Sautéed onion brings gentle sweetness and a touch of caramelized crunch.
- Garlic Powder: For warm, aromatic notes without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Classic seasonings that tie everything together—adjust to match your preferences!
How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon or spatula to break it into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. You want to brown the meat until it’s fully cooked with no more pink showing. If there’s a lot of fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving just a little for flavor. This step is where the whole One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni journey begins!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Sprinkle in the diced onion right over the beef. Stir it around and let the onions soften and turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice a lovely fragrance start to fill your kitchen, promising that unmistakable cheeseburger smell. The onions melt right into the sauce later, giving sweetness to every forkful.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Seasonings
Now comes the fun part: add the macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper straight to the pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure the pasta is submerged. Bring the mix to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the pasta soaks up all that delicious flavor, right in the same pot.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Pop on a lid and let the magic happen. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the macaroni is tender yet slightly firm to the bite—what chefs call “al dente.” Most of the broth will be absorbed, and everything will look saucy and inviting.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in all that glorious cheddar. It’ll melt in moments, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and beef. If you like things extra indulgent, toss in a bit more cheese or a splash of milk for added creaminess.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
It’s showtime! Spoon generous portions into bowls while it’s piping hot. This is the best moment to top your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even pickle slices if you’re feeling adventurous. Prepare to fall in love at first bite!
How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
Garnishes
Invite a little extra flair to the table by topping each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or even some crispy bacon bits. A few sliced green onions or chives offer color and a gentle bite, while a dollop of sour cream can create irresistible richness. For true burger vibes, sneak in a couple of dill pickle slices!
Side Dishes
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is hearty enough on its own, but it loves company. Pair with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or add roasted broccoli for a pop of color and crunch. Garlic bread or a basket of warm rolls makes for perfect dipping into that cheesy sauce. And for a playful twist, serve with oven fries or sweet potato wedges.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni into a fun meal by serving it in individual ramekins or cute mugs for a casual party. For family dinners, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Or, spoon it into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s also a hit served as a filling inside warm tortillas for a cheeseburger-mac wrap!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers just as satisfying. Just make sure the macaroni has cooled to room temperature before sealing it up to avoid excess moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool the macaroni completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Label and date, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture—keep in mind the pasta may soften a little, but the flavors will still shine!
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to bring back its creaminess. Stir well as it heats, and top with a little extra cheese or fresh herbs to refresh the flavors. If reheating from frozen, thaw first before warming through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni gives the classic boxed feel, any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne will do the trick. Just watch the cooking time, as different shapes may need a minute or two more or less.
How can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni gluten free?
Great news: simply swap the regular macaroni for your favorite gluten free pasta and double check that your beef broth is certified gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy adjustment!
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Stir in peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. It’s a fantastic way to sneak extra nutrition into your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni while adding even more color and texture.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is the classic choice for its sharp, creamy melt, but feel free to play! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of American cheese can increase meltiness and smoothness. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese, as the anti-caking agents can prevent that dreamy, silky sauce.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
The secret is to cook the pasta just until al dente, testing a piece after about 8 minutes. If you’re planning to reheat later, stop the cooking with a splash of cold water or an immediate transfer to storage, since the hot pasta will keep softening as it sits.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about a meal that’s fast, fuss-free, and loaded with flavor—exactly what you get with One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. It’s a recipe that instantly feels like home, so I hope you grab a big spoon and treat yourself to this cheesy, beefy, heartwarming weeknight wonder!
Print
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make mealtime a breeze with One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni—everything you love about burgers in a quick, easy, and satisfying dish! This comforting recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef
Pasta
- 2 cups Macaroni Pasta
Cheese
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Liquids
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Vegetables
- 1 Onion, diced
Spices
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
- Add the Onions: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it’s translucent and fragrant, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is now ready to be served! Enjoy it warm, and don’t forget to garnish as desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni to ensure it remains perfectly al dente.
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Add More Flavor: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- Keep it Creamy: If the dish seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
