Name: One-Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives

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This One-Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is my go-to when I want a cozy, satisfying dinner without a pile of dishes. It’s a cheesy, hearty meal that delivers the nostalgic flavor of boxed Hamburger Helper, but with simple, real ingredients. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or whenever I’m craving serious comfort food.

One-Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 ½ cups milk

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

I brown the ground beef for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, I drain it off.

Then I stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Next, I add beef broth, milk, uncooked macaroni, tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I mix everything well.

I bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Covering the pot, I let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

I take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s fully melted and creamy.

After tasting and adjusting the seasoning, I serve it hot, optionally garnished with parsley or chives.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes
Each serving has approximately 480 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I like to change things up:

I swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.

I add diced tomatoes or green chilies for more texture and flavor.

For extra creaminess, I stir in a splash of heavy cream with the cheese.

I occasionally sneak in veggies like spinach or peas for a more balanced meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk to help loosen up the sauce and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—I just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use?

I usually go with lean ground beef (around 85% lean) to avoid too much grease but still get plenty of flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like shells or rotini also works great—just keep an eye on the cooking time and liquid absorption.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. I prepare it earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve. It holds up well for a couple of days.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s very mild, but I can add chili flakes or hot sauce if I want a spicy version.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that the broth and spices are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni hits all the right notes: quick, comforting, and delicious. It’s one of those reliable dinners I can count on to satisfy the whole family without much fuss. Whether I’m after a cozy meal on a chilly night or just need something fast and filling, this recipe always delivers.

📖 Recipe:

One-Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This one-pot homemade cheeseburger macaroni is a quick, cozy, and satisfying dish that brings the nostalgic flavor of Hamburger Helper using real, simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add beef broth, milk, elbow macaroni, tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.