Homemade One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Recipe – Cozy Bliss

Whipping up a delightful one-pot cheeseburger mac & cheese promises pure comfort food magic.

Savory ground beef mingles with creamy pasta in a skillet that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Kitchen heroes appreciate meals combining classic burger flavors with cheesy macaroni goodness.

Melted cheese and seasoned meat create a hearty dish that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup effort.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner on the table in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to indulge in a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Essentials

• Minimize kitchen cleanup and cooking time by preparing everything in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding extra toppings like bacon bits, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Packed with protein from ground beef and calcium from cheese, this dish offers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients.

Ingredients for One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce perfectly.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth to the mac and cheese.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and balances the flavors.
• Mustard: Optional garnish that adds a tangy kick to the dish.

How to Cook One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and cook the ground beef over medium heat.

Break it into small crumbles as it sizzles.

Once the meat turns a rich brown color, carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Toss the chopped onions into the pot with the beef.

Let them dance around and soften, releasing their sweet aroma for about 2 minutes.

The onions will start to become translucent and add depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in the garlic powder for a punch of savory goodness.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk.

Shake in some salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, creating a colorful mixture.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat.

Let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.

Watch as the macaroni becomes tender and starts to absorb all the delicious flavors swirling in the pot.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Fold it gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every single noodle.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming mac and cheese into bowls.

For an extra flavor kick, add a drizzle of mustard on top.

The combination of beef, cheese, and zesty mustard creates a comfort food masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Success

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure even cooking.
• Add cheese off the heat and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy texture without causing cheese to become grainy or separate.
• Sprinkle extra garlic powder or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the cheeseburger-like taste profile.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative, and use lactose-free cheese for dietary restrictions.

Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, keeping them fresh for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the mac and cheese in a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to help restore the sauce's smooth texture, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Best Pairings with Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Lager: Select a cold, light-bodied beer like Budweiser or Stella Artois to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and balance the hearty beef flavors.
• Complement with Tangy Pickle Spears: Add crisp dill pickle slices on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy mac and cheese.
• Serve with Fresh Coleslaw: Prepare a zesty, crunchy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to add brightness and textural variety to the comforting one-pot meal.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Merlot to enhance the beef's depth and stand up to the cheese's richness.

Variations of Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Vegetarian Mac & Cheese: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Mac: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute elbow macaroni with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love mac and cheese, and the cheeseburger twist makes it even more appealing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Stir in some frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot cheeseburger mac & cheese combines classic comfort with bold flavors in a single skillet. Cheesy pasta mingles with savory ground beef, creating a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, chopped

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Other:

• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains and draining any excess grease.
2. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder and introduce diced tomatoes, beef broth, milk, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Add elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
6. Remove from heat and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
8. Plate immediately and garnish with a light drizzle of mustard for an enhanced tangy flavor profile.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and keep the dish lighter.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Replace regular milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk to make the dish dairy-friendly and lower in calories.
• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or diced pickles on top for extra cheeseburger-inspired crunch and texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg