One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is a quick and comforting dish combining juicy ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tender elbow macaroni all cooked together in one pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious meal packed with savory, cheesy flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta and broth are used)
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
Pasta
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Liquids & Condiments
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, which builds a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard, then stir in the macaroni. Bring everything to a gentle boil and let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and most liquid has absorbed, remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, creating that creamy, cheesy sauce you love.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, give one final stir, and serve hot. This is comfort food made easy with minimal pots and maximum flavor.
Notes
- Use medium heat to prevent scorching or overcooking the cheese.
- Grate your own cheese for faster melting and creamier texture.
- Stir frequently while pasta cooks in the broth to prevent sticking.
- Drain excess beef fat to keep the dish rich but not greasy.
- Aim to cook pasta al dente to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheeseburger mac and cheese, one pot meal, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, creamy mac and cheese