Description

This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal combining ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese in a flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 pound lean ground beef
1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk

Vegetables and Aromatics

½ cup finely diced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)

Liquids

1 ¼ cup chicken broth

Pasta

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni

Spices and Thickener

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Set this mixture aside to incorporate later.
Brown the Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and finely diced onion (or onion powder). Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the milk and chicken broth into the skillet with the beef. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir in the previously prepared cornstarch and spice mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Cook the Macaroni: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the mixture becomes too thick or the pasta needs more liquid, add more chicken broth or water as necessary until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and evenly distributed, creating a creamy sauce that coats the macaroni and beef. Serve hot immediately for best taste.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
You can adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more garlic powder or paprika for a stronger flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch slightly; for a creamier texture, add a splash more milk.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
To add vegetables, consider stirring in cooked peas, corn, or diced tomatoes during the simmering step.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, homemade cheeseburger pasta, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta, cheesy macaroni