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One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: cheeseburger mac and cheese, one pot meal, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, creamy mac and cheese