Homestyle One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe (Print Version)

Craving a quick, comforting meal? This One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe brings classic diner flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Base

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck)
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Builders

05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 2 tbsp ketchup
07 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

→ Creamy Goodness

10 - 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
11 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

→ Finishing Touches

13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest, deepest pot – the one you usually use for chili or a big batch of soup. Heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, with those crispy bits forming, because that’s where so much flavor comes from. Drain any excess fat, honestly, this is where I messed up the first time! Then, add your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The kitchen starts to smell amazing right about now, a promise of good things to come for this cheeseburger macaroni.
02 - Once your aromatics are soft, it’s time to really build the foundation for our <span class="keyphrase">One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe</span>. Stir in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let that simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring often. You'll see the color deepen, and the flavors start to meld together. This step is crucial for getting that authentic cheeseburger taste, so don't rush it. I always take a deep breath here, enjoying the rich, tangy aroma rising from the pot. It’s like a little flavor party happening right on your stovetop!
03 - Now for the magic! Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling a bit, add your elbow macaroni. Give it a good stir to make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. This is where the 'one pot' part truly shines, as the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, soaking up all that goodness. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. I usually peek after 8 minutes, just to make sure things aren't sticking, which I've totally done before!
04 - Pasta tender? Awesome! Now, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the milk and about half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir, stir, stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. This is the moment where the <span class="keyphrase">One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe</span> really transforms into that luscious, comforting dish. It’s so satisfying to watch the cheese disappear into the sauce, making it rich and irresistible. If it looks a little thick, a splash more milk works wonders, but usually, it's just right.
05 - This is your chance to make it perfect! Taste the cheeseburger macaroni. Does it need more salt? A crack of black pepper? Maybe a tiny dash more mustard for an extra kick? Season it to your liking. Remember, you've got the Worcestershire and broth, so go easy on the salt at first and build up. I've definitely over-salted things in my early cooking days, and it's a hard mistake to fix! Adjusting seasonings is where you truly make this dish your own.
06 - Once you're happy with the taste, it's time to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls. If you're feeling fancy (or just extra cheesy, like me!), sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each serving. A little fresh parsley or chopped green onions can add a pop of color and freshness, too. The final result should be a creamy, savory, cheesy bowl of pure comfort. It smells like a diner and feels like home. Enjoy your homemade <span class="keyphrase">One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe</span>, you totally earned it!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the beef well after browning; I learned the hard way that too much grease makes the sauce… less than ideal.
02 - Don't overcook the pasta! Keep an eye on it, as it continues to absorb liquid even after you take it off the heat.
03 - Shred your own cheese if you can – it melts so much smoother and tastes better, honestly.
04 - For a pop of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley makes this dish sing.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - Wooden spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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