Cheeseburger Macaroni
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate homemade comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s like a grown-up version of Hamburger Helper, packed with juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese for a dinner everyone will love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
Calories: ~520 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Skip pre-shredded cheese: Grate your own for a smoother melt and better flavor.
- Add veggies: Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for easy weeknight reheats.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 520 | 30g | 45g | 24g | 3g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate homemade comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips: Skip pre-shredded cheese for better flavor. Add veggies like bell pepper or zucchini for extra nutrition. Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for easy reheats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American