Go Back
–+ servings
Sarah

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Stovetop cheeseburger pasta with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and melty cheddar in a creamy ketchup–mustard sauce. One pan, about 30 minutes, and pure comfort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) elbow macaroni, dry
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • pickles, green onions, parsley, or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • large deep skillet or pot with lid
  • spatula or wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • knife and cutting board

Method

  • Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper; cook until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F / 71°C. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
  • Pour in beef broth and milk; stir to combine. Add dry macaroni and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 9–11 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed.
  • Reduce heat to low. Fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Let rest 2–3 minutes to thicken sauce.
  • Garnish with pickles, green onions, parsley, or sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Pair with White Chicken Chili, Loaded Baked Potato Soup, or Ground Turkey Orzo for hearty dinner ideas.
Add 2–3 Tbsp cream cheese for extra silk.
For a cheesy crust, broil briefly in an oven-safe skillet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!