If you’re craving the taste of a juicy cheeseburger but don’t want to deal with the grill or the cleanup, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is about to become your new favorite. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining all the flavors you love about burgers with the ease of a one-pot pasta dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve learned that the quality of your ingredients really does matter here. I always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded because it melts so much better and creates that silky, creamy sauce we’re after. My go-to is a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact. You’ll need a 4 to 5 quart pot minimum to give everything room to cook properly.
- 1 lb ground beef (I recommend 85/15 for the best flavor without excess grease)
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (elbow macaroni works perfectly)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (sharp cheddar is my preference for bold flavor)
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium gives you better control over seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (this adds incredible depth)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onion both work great)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (in my experience, garlic powder distributes more evenly than fresh in this recipe)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (I usually start with 1/2 teaspoon of each and adjust)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. In my experience, this recipe moves quickly once you begin, and having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s completely browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat develops a nice golden-brown color. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
Step 2: Add the diced onion directly to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your entire dish, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Stir in the macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta is ready when it’s tender but still has a slight bite, and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat (this prevents the cheese from separating) and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth to reach your desired consistency. Let it rest for about a minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Perfect Pairings for One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides that add freshness and crunch to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta and adds a refreshing element to your meal. The acidity from the dressing also helps cleanse your palate between bites. Try our Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for another comforting pairing option.
Steamed Broccoli: This classic vegetable pairing not only adds nutritional value with fiber and vitamins but also provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy macaroni. The mild flavor complements without competing. For a complete one-pot vegetable side, check out Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo.
Garlic Bread: While it adds carbs to an already pasta-heavy meal, sometimes you just need that buttery, garlicky crunch to complete the comfort food experience. Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
Dill Pickles: Just like on a real cheeseburger, pickles add that essential tangy, briny element that brightens the entire dish. They’re especially popular with kids who love the familiar burger flavors.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: These bring a burst of sweetness and acidity that balances the savory beef and cheese. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color to your dinner table. For more ground beef inspiration, try Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend portioning it out before freezing for easier reheating later.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth to restore the creamy texture. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring between each. The stovetop method gives you better control and helps prevent the cheese from separating.
This dish is incredibly versatile beyond just serving it as-is. I love topping individual bowls with crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions for extra flavor and freshness. Some families even serve it in burger buns for a fun twist on sloppy joes. For another creative ground beef idea, try Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells, rotini, or penne work beautifully. Just keep the cooking time the same and check for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?
Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir it in gradually. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps tremendously since pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Since it has less fat, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot before browning to prevent sticking and keep the meat moist.
One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally until completely browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the diced onion directly to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the macaroni, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender with most liquid absorbed.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth. Let rest for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
