If you have ever wished for the perfect blend of comfort food flavors all in one pot, this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the creamy, satisfying texture of macaroni pasta, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and delightfully easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe hits every note—from the tang of tomato paste and ketchup to the sharp cheddar cheese that melts into every bite. It’s like your favorite burger and mac and cheese got together and made a delicious baby!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is surprisingly simple, made with ingredients that are easy to find and each one playing a crucial role. From the hearty lean ground beef to the sharp cheddar cheese, every element contributes a layer of flavor, texture, or color, resulting in a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts.
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth): Adds depth and moisture to cook the macaroni and enrich the sauce flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick that lifts the sauce beyond ordinary.
- â…“ cup ketchup: Offers sweetness and classic cheeseburger flair to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Crucial for enhancing all the flavors smoothly.
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: For browning the beef and onions perfectly without sticking.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein, delivering juicy, meaty goodness.
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture that balance the savory beef.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle heat that wakes up your palate.
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni: The fun, tender pasta that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for that unmistakable cheeseburger comfort.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This vibrant sauce base packs all the flavor punches that will come together later in the dish. Set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced sweet onion, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until the onions soften and the beef is browned through, fragrant and juicy, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, stir to combine, and then drain off any excess grease to keep the dish balanced in richness.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Pasta
Give your prepared broth mixture a quick stir and pour it into the skillet with the beef and onions. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then, add the uncooked macaroni to the bubbling mixture. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the scrumptious sauce flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the macaroni simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know the pasta is perfectly cooked when it’s tender but still has a slight bite, soaking in the rich, cheeseburger-inspired sauce around it.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Stir
Once the macaroni is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Stir for about a minute until the cheese melts fully and creates a creamy, luscious coating that ties the dish together. Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness. You can also add a dash of freshly ground black pepper or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top for visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to build a full meal, crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas bring a light, fresh side to balance the hearty main dish. A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast can also be irresistible for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls and top with extra cheese, then broil for a minute or two to get a beautiful golden crust. Another idea is layering it in a casserole dish and adding crushed potato chips on top before baking for a nostalgic cheeseburger mac and cheese texture party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors tend to marry even more overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture as the pasta tends to absorb moisture when chilled or frozen. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave works well—just cover the dish to retain moisture and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional and works perfectly with this recipe, feel free to swap in elbow pasta, shells, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist. Keep the other ingredients the same to maintain that cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
The amount of crushed red pepper flakes is quite minimal, adding just a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower the flavors. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it completely.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheddar cheese tends to melt better and creates a creamier texture for this dish. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that might affect the melt.
Do I need to cook the macaroni separately before adding to the beef mixture?
Nope! One of the best parts of this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is that the pasta cooks directly in the sauce with the beef, simplifying your cooking process and enhancing flavor absorption.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, easy, and so satisfying. It brings together everything you love about a cheeseburger and macaroni, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I promise once you make it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your recipe box. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a family classic!
Print
Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef simmered with aromatic onions, tangy tomato-based sauce, and tender macaroni, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe delivers classic cheeseburger flavors in a hearty pasta dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, Dijon mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and kosher salt until fully combined. Set the mixture aside.
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until the onions are softened and the beef is fully browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, then drain any excess grease from the pan. Return the pan to the heat.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Stir the prepared sauce mixture briefly and pour it into the skillet with the beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked macaroni.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the dish cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Once the macaroni is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely, about 1 minute. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness in the dish.
- Drain grease from the beef to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking to the pan.
- For extra spice, adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Substitute with gluten-free macaroni to make the dish gluten-free.
