This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a take on your favorite hamburger helper and classic American Goulash. A quick and easy, one-pot dinner with lots of flavor and cheesy goodness the entire family will ask for again and again!
Aren’t one pot meals awesome? Some others we love include our easy Jambalaya and Rice and Beans.
Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni
Looking for some dinner inspiration? I’ve got you. This cheeseburger macaroni is reminiscent of homemade hamburger helper. It’s what I call a weeknight lifesaver – quick, easy, all made in one pot, and DELISH.
Why we love it:
- Easy to make: it’s as simple as making macaroni and cheese.
- Quick: on the table in 25 minutes.
- Clean up is a breeze: this dish only requires some measuring cups, a bowl, whisk, and one pot, so clean up is easy!
- Pantry items: I bet you already have most (if not all!) of the ingredients on hand.
- Budget friendly: you’re looking at around $15 to make this and it feeds 6.
- Picky eater approved: Even the pickiest of eaters love this dish!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Ground beef: We use lean 80/20. You can also use ground turkey instead.
- Onion: For great flavor.
- Olive oil: To sauté the onions.
- Elbow macaroni: Or substitute in a different small pasta.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-packaged will do if you’re in a pinch.
- Broth: Either beef or chicken broth can be used. We opt for low-sodium.
- Sauce: Tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard are mixed with the broth to create a sweet and tangy sauce for the pasta and beef to simmer in.
- Seasonings: garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt.
- Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley for flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni
This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes in one pot and only a few steps. It’s so easy! Here’s a summary.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Brown the beef: sauté the beef and onions in the olive oil until the meat is cooked through. Drain off the grease.
- Pour in the sauce: mix together the broth, sauce ingredients, and seasonings. Pour it over the cooked beef.
- Add the pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, add in the pasta.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring a couple times to prevent sticking.
- Stir in cheese: Stir in the cheese until melted.
- Enjoy! Divide into bowls and sprinkle with a little parsley, if desired.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Macaroni
This dish is pretty filling on its own, but to round out the meal, we recommend serving it with a Simple side salad, garlic bread, and a vegetable like roasted broccoli.
Storing Leftovers
- Store. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It is best eaten up within 2-3 days.
- Freeze. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth to loosen, if necessary.
More One Pot Pasta Recipes:
- Sloppy Joe Pasta
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- American Goulash
- Chili Mac
- Bacon and Broccoli One Pot Pasta
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion , diced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped parsley , for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Brown the beef and onions, breaking apart the meat, until the onions are soft and the meat is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and combine. Drain off grease and return pan to heat.
- Give your broth mixture a quick stir and pour it into the meat. Bring to a boil and add the macaroni.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender, stirring a few times to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- When the macaroni is done, sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Stir until melted, about 1 minute, and serve immediately.
My husband didn’t think he’d like it, but he went back for seconds. My 9 year old son loved it, too! Was super easy to make. I used a slightly thicker pasta noodle and needed to add a bit more water + cook time. Overall, a great recipe. Thanks.
This was easy and yummy – my kids loved it!
Great recipe. It’s simple and affordable and actually does taste like a cheeseburger. Leftovers are just as good the next day but I’ve made it twice and it hasn’t lasted long :)
I randomly came across this recipe and just made it for a Sunday night winter meal. So darn good! Thank you, its going to be one of my regulars too! P.S So happy ive discovered your site! :-) Laura from South Australia.
I would love to know if the cheeseburger macaroni would work out as a make ahead dish and reheatable in portions (microwave). would love to make this for my team at work.
Hi Nilsa – I’ve never made it ahead of time, but I have enjoyed left overs for lunch the next day and it reheated well. Nothing like fresh, but it was still quite good. Try it!
I made this a few weeks ago and we loved it! perfect meal to have after a long walk in the woods. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Thank you for the recipe. I just made it tonight and I really liked it. Even my 15 month old daughters ate it! It is tasty and very easy to make.
I just made this, really delicious! My hubby can’t stop eting it. Thanks for sharing the fabulous recipe!
Thanks for this! I’m constantly looking for “better” versions of boxed hamburger helper and this was perfect. My husband and kids loved it!
My husband keeps on dragging the blue boxes in the house claiming that he found a great deal. The kids refuse to eat them if I don’t change their essence completely, like adding a pound of sharp Cheddar or a Mornay sauce, which defeats the purpose:) I love your version and I am going to spring it to the unsuspecting masses this week!
I can’t wait to try this!
This just did me in. IN, I tell you.
I hate to say it, but here it goes! I love boxed mac and cheese! Spirals or elbow, but not KRAFT! Before Walmart changed the Thick and Creamy kind recently. My husband loves it also with hot dogs! This looks great too! Can’t wait to try it!
This is just really good–comfort food, baby! Made it for my husband and brother-in-law (who recently moved in with us) and they both loved it!
I’ve made this several times now. I use homemade chicken stock and add in a splash of Worcestershire for good measure. Too easy to cook, inhale, make everyone happy.
This sounds so good.