This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.
Cheeseburger Macaroni is an easy dinner recipe that’s also a one-pot meal! This family-friendly meal combines seasoned ground beef covered in a creamy sauce, elbow macaroni pasta, and lots of shredded cheese! Even the picky eaters will approve.
For more cheeseburger dinnertime favorites be sure and try Cheeseburger Sliders, Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes, and Cheeseburger Cups.
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Cheeseburger macaroni is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. The whole family will love this easy recipe with its simple, cheesy, and creamy flavors and of course, pasta!
The cooking process is so simple because everything, yes the ground beef + the pasta, cooks in the same pot! No need for multiple pans, bowls, and gadgets. Just a super easy, one pan, and simple ingredients is all it takes to get this on the dinner table in under 30 minutes.
This tasty variation will make you have no need for the boxed stuff – because now you can make this delicious homemade version with real cheese, seasoned ground beef, and macaroni pasta right in your own kitchen.
Ingredient List
- Lean Ground Beef : I use 93/7 ground beef. You will end up draining the excess grease from the pan so you can use whichever ground beef you prefer. I prefer using 93/7 because it’s lean but not so lean that it has no flavor.
- Onion : Use a yellow onion, white onion, or sweet onion.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Seasoned Salt
- Tomato Paste
- Elbow Macaroni
- Beef Broth : I use full-salt beef broth but you can also use reduced-salt or salt-free depending on preference or dietary needs/restrictions.
- Whole Milk
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese : For the best creamy and smooth melt, I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding the cheese yourself.
How To Make This One-Pot Dinner (Printable Recipe Card)
In a large skillet pan, over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt. Cook and crumble until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan, or soak it up with a paper towel.
Stir in the tomato paste until well combined and cook an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Continue cooking, while stirring frequently, over medium-high heat (turn to medium heat easyif needed), until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. About 9-11 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheese until all the cheese has melted.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Any leftover cheeseburger macaroni pasta should be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds at a time until thoroughly heated, or you can heat it back up on the stove top. Add a splash of broth or milk to thin the sauce and allow time to heat without scorching.
Can I Make Any Substitutions?
- Ground Beef – Use ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork if wanted.
- Elbow Macaroni – This is the preferred pasta to use because it’s small and cooks in a short amount of time. However, if you want to use something different, you could use medium shell pasta, farfalle pasta, or something else similar in size to elbow macaroni.
- Beef Broth– Vegetable broth or chicken broth are other good alternatives.
- Cheddar Cheese – Use any variety of cheddar cheese (mild cheddar, medium cheddar cheese, or sharp), Colby Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese are all great alternatives to use.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese or Should I Shred It Myself?
You can use pre-shredded cheese, however, for best results I don’t recommend using it. When you shred the cheese yourself from a block of cheese, you will find that the cheese melts easier and has a much creamier texture to it. I only suggest and recommend shredding it yourself.
Can I Add More Vegetables Besides Just The Onion?
Yes, feel free to add some finely chopped green bell pepper, mushrooms, or some spinach. My kids love the meal as is, so I never add anything more to it. Add any additional finely chopped vegetables in with the onions.
How Can I Make The Sauce Creamier?
If you would like to make the sauce creamier, add 1/4 cup sour cream or 4 ounces very warm/softened cream cheese into the skillet pan at the end of the cook time. Stir it in slowly and stir until it’s fully combined.
Is It Spicy? How Can I Spice It Up?
The recipe as made is not spicy at all. Which makes it perfect for the entire family. If you want to spice it up then there are several ways to do that; Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the other dried seasonings. You could also add finely chopped jalapeños along with the onion, or even some red pepper flakes with the other dried spices. You could also use shredded Pepper Jack cheese as well.
Do You Love Easy One Pot Meals? Try These Other Family Favorite Recipes
- One Pot Chicken and Noodles
- Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice
- One Pot Cheesy Taco Rice
- One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Skillet Lasagna
- Chicken Burrito Skillet
- One Pot Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I use 93/7)
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet pan, over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt. Cook and crumble until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan, or soak it up with a paper towel.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 yellow onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Add the tomato paste and stir until all the ground meat is covered in it. Cook an additional 30 seconds.3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Continue cooking, while stirring frequently, over medium-high heat (turn to medium heat if needed), until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. About 9-11 minutes.2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup whole milk
- Stir in the shredded cheese until all the cheese has melted.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!
Did you love this recipe?
Make sure to comment below so we can chat about it! Or follow on your favorite social network for even more family recipes.