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One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the bold, juicy flavor of a cheeseburger without the fuss of flipping patties or washing a sink full of dishes, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is your new weeknight hero. This irresistible mash-up brings together the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger and the gooey comfort of cheesy pasta—all cooked in one pot for effortless prep and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, craving cozy comfort food on a chilly evening, or just craving something delicious in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers big on taste with zero stress

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

A creamy, comforting one-pot dinner that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with cheesy macaroni—easy, fast, and family-friendly.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanServings: 4Calories: ~650 kcal per serving

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in macaroni until mostly submerged.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
  6. Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

✅ Final Thoughts

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the definition of modern comfort food. It combines the nostalgic flavor of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy appeal of a creamy pasta dish, all while keeping preparation simple and stress-free. This is the kind of recipe that understands real life—busy schedules, hungry families, and the need for reliable, satisfying meals.

What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly it balances flavor and convenience. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that tastes rich, indulgent, and thoughtfully prepared. The one-pot method allows the pasta to absorb the savory beef broth and seasonings, resulting in deeper flavor than traditional stovetop pasta dishes.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. Whether you keep it classic, spice it up, or load it with toppings, it adapts to your taste without losing its comforting identity. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the days ahead.

Most importantly, this is a recipe people ask for again. It’s familiar yet exciting, simple yet satisfying. Once you make it, it quickly becomes one of those dependable meals you turn to when you want comfort, flavor, and ease in one bowl.

If you’re looking for a foolproof dinner that delivers every time, One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is exactly that—a comforting classic made even better.