This cheeseburger macaroni combines all the classic flavors of cheeseburgers with onions, garlic, and pasta in a creamy cheddar sauce. This one-pot recipe is ideal for busy families and weeknights.
Skip the box stuff and make this delicious homemade cheeseburger macaroni with wholesome ingredients. I love to serve it with a simple garden salad or arugula salad. It is also delicious with baguettes with soft butter or angel biscuits.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Ground beef: Use ground beef with a little fat in it for the best flavor.
- Spicy brown mustard: You can substitute stone-ground or regular mustard for a milder flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for the creamiest finish, but 2% will work in a pinch.
- Beef broth: Low-sodium is best.
- Cheddar: Sharp or extra sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but any cheddar will work, including white cheddar.
How To Make Cheeseburger Macaroni
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Brown the ground beef. About halfway through the browning process, add the onions. Reduce the heat and add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about a minute.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, milk, and beef broth. Then, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and make sure it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese in several increments.
Preparation Tips
- You can use any medium pasta, but of course, then it would not be cheeseburger macaroni.
- Keep the macaroni submerged as much as possible. If needed, add small amounts of milk and beef broth.
- Remove from the heat before stirring in the cheese in several increments.
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: cucumber tomato salad, Olive Garden salad, and Christmas salad
- Soup: vegetable soup, French onion soup, and mushroom soup
- Bread or rolls: sweet potato cornbread and cheddar jalapeno beer bread
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This cheeseburger macaroni combines all the classic flavors of cheeseburgers with onions, garlic, and pasta in a luscious creamy cheddar sauce.
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 586kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion. finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1½-2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a large pot. About halfway through the browning process, add the onion. Cook until the beef is brown and the onion is soft.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, milk, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and make sure it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese in a couple of increments. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 599mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 399mg | Iron: 2mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Nick
This was the ultimate comfort food. It was creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy night in. I am definitely adding this to our weeknight dinner rotation.
Melanie W
Oh my gosh this looks lovely and I am a big fan of macaroni so we will deffo give your recipe a go next weekend yummy stuff xx
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Melanie E
I do love the sound of this dish. We love pasta in my household. The combo of the pasta and cheeseburger adds flavour to this as well as texture. It’s something both kids and adults can enjoy.
Karen
Combining my two favorite meals into one is the most amazing idea ever. Your recipe is delicious and very easy to prepare. Thank you so so so much.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Karen!
Hari
This cheeseburger macaroni was pretty delicious. Absolutely loved it!
Jupiter Hadley
This reminds me a lot of an upscale version of Hamburger Helper! What a fantastic meal for midweek.
Yolana
Macaroni with all the flavors of a cheese burger. This was really tasty and went down so well with the whole family.
Jerry
Beth, this homemade cheeseburger macaroni was the perfect cozy dinner. such a clever and comforting twist on a classic, complete with creamy cheddar sauce and a one-pot simplicity that truly speaks to busy weeknights.
Lisa
YUM! My kids love this, and it’s been a while since I have made any cheeseburger macaroni. Yours look so delicious that I am going to try your recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lisa! Enjoy!
Catalina
This recipe turned out delicious and super easy. My family already asked me to make it again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Catalina! I am so glad that your family likes it.