One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni (Print View)

Tender macaroni, savory beef, and rich cheesy sauce come together in one pot for an easy, comforting meal.

# Components:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

04 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Liquids

05 - 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
06 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Dairy & Cheese

07 - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - ¼ cup cream cheese

→ Seasonings & Condiments

09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tsp paprika
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp black pepper
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano

→ Garnish (Optional)

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat.
02 - Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Mix in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
04 - Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and whole milk. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Continue stirring until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients most pantry-keepers already have
  • Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup
  • Perfect balance of protein and carbs in each bite
  • Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults
02 -
  • Stirring occasionally prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot
  • The dish will continue to thicken as it cools
  • This recipe reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep
  • Adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from becoming stringy or separating
03 -
  • For the ultimate flavor boost, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The slightly higher fat content in the pork creates an incredible richness that takes this dish to restaurant quality.
  • Always let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
  • If you have picky eaters, try grating the onion instead of chopping it—you'll get all the flavor without the texture some children object to.

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