Best Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Cheeseburger macaroni combines seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese sauce with tender pasta for the ultimate one-pot family meal. Quick, budget-friendly, and a hit with kids and adults alike.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 440 kcal
#family dinner #one pot meal #comfort food #kid friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • elbow macaroni 2 cups
  • ground beef (80% lean) 1 lb
  • yellow onion, diced 0.5 cup
  • shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • whole milk 1.5 cups
  • beef broth 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • tomato ketchup 2 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tsp
  • paprika 1 tsp
  • garlic powder 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 38%
Protein 23 g 21%
Fat 19 g 39%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. 2

    Add the diced onion to the beef and sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  4. 4

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender and most liquid is absorbed.

  5. 5

    Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving for optimal sauce texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Ground beef provides the signature cheeseburger flavor and hearty texture, while cheddar cheese creates the gooey sauce that brings the dish together. These two ingredients define the classic taste of cheeseburger macaroni.
Q. How should I control heat when cooking the beef and pasta?
Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat to develop rich flavor without burning. After adding liquids and pasta, reduce to low heat and cover so the macaroni cooks evenly and absorbs flavor without sticking or overcooking.
Q. How can I avoid soggy or dry pasta in this dish?
Stir the pasta mixture occasionally as it simmers and keep the pan covered. Remove from heat once pasta is just tender and there's a little sauce left—resting for a few minutes helps it reach a creamy, but not watery, consistency.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein content per serving?
Each serving of this cheeseburger macaroni provides 440 kcal, with 23g protein. Protein accounts for 21% of total calories, supporting a balanced, filling family meal.
AI 채팅 아이콘