If you’ve ever wished you could combine the comforting joys of a cheeseburger with the warm, hearty satisfaction of macaroni, then you are going to adore this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe! It’s a brilliant, flavorful mashup that beautifully balances savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all in one pot. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or anytime you crave that unbeatable cheeseburger goodness in a cozy, easy-to-make form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A gray pan with a shiny metal handle is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is a layer of browned ground meat, cooked and spread evenly across the bottom. A bright red spatula rests on the right side of the pan, partially under the meat, showing some oil or juice next to it. The image shows just one main layer of meat in the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe comes together with simple, trusty ingredients that work harmoniously for taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role in making the dish irresistible, from the rich beef to the melty cheese that ties it all together.

Lean ground beef: The hearty base that gives the dish its meaty, savory depth—choose a lean option for healthier comfort food.
Diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic punch, softening perfectly as it cooks with the beef.
Reduced-sodium beef broth or chicken broth: Provides the flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with savory richness.
Diced Italian tomatoes: Bring a subtle tang and vibrant color, elevating the dish beyond a simple mac and cheese.
Milk: Infuses creaminess and helps create that lush, saucy texture.
Dry macaroni noodles: The classic pasta shape that’s perfect for holding onto the savory beef and cheesy sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the flavors just right.
Shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese: Melts into a dreamy, gooey blanket of cheesy goodness that makes this recipe truly special.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your lean ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, stirring regularly until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink left. This step builds the dish’s rich, meaty foundation and releases delicious savory juices to flavor the whole meal.

Step 2: Cook the onions

Next, toss in the diced onion and cook it with the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and become fragrant but not completely disappear. This adds a subtle sweetness and layers of flavor that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Step 3: Combine liquids and pasta

To your beef and onion, add the broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, dry macaroni noodles, and black pepper. Stir everything together well so the noodles are fully submerged in the flavorful liquid. This mixture is what transforms plain macaroni into a luscious, saucy delight.

Step 4: Bring to a boil and simmer

Turn up the heat until everything comes to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the pasta to absorb the savory broth while cooking to al dente perfection, creating a creamy texture without needing any extra pots.

Step 5: Melt in the cheese

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese, letting it melt completely into the pasta and beef mixture. This step is the heart of the Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe, delivering that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.

Step 6: Final seasoning

Taste your creation and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. This little extra step lets you tailor the flavors to your liking and amps up the deliciousness just right before serving.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

A large silver pan filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked meat and tiny red bits, all coated in a thick light orange sauce. The pasta is ring-shaped and covers the entire surface of the pan, with the sauce evenly spread throughout, giving a smooth and slightly glossy texture. The pan handle is silver with a white grip, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the dish shines on its own, a few garnishes can add personality and fresh contrast. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of green, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. Crispy bacon bits or sliced pickles can lend that authentic cheeseburger vibe that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli add freshness. For a more indulgent meal, try garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up any cheesy sauce that escapes your fork.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra shredded cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. Or scoop it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, fun twist. Even layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese and baking for a few minutes gives it a lovely crust that’s irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe keeps nicely for up to 3 days, making it great for easy lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing with extra cheese toppings; add fresh cheese after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese from separating. Add a splash of milk if the pasta feels too thick, to bring back its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni is classic, small shapes like rotini or shells work wonderfully and hold onto the sauce just as well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist that still delivers on texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely. You can prep up to the simmering stage and refrigerate for a day before finishing with the cheese when ready to serve.

What cheeses work best besides Cheddar-Jack?

Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend with mozzarella can create a delicious, melty cheese sauce perfect for this dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is mild, but you can spice it up easily by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting bowl of cheesy, beefy happiness, this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those recipes that tends to disappear fast at any table. So grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and get ready for a deliciously fun meal everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef, onions, and melted Cheddar-Jack cheese with pasta in a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Cooked in one skillet, this easy-to-make recipe yields a creamy, cheesy meal that mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient pasta form.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced onion

Liquids

4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
1 cup milk

Pantry Items

14 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
16 ounces dry macaroni noodles
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Dairy

4 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese

Instructions

Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring regularly, until the ground beef is no longer pink and browned evenly.
Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, and add black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, ensuring all ingredients are heated through.
Simmer gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook the pasta: Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook for 15 minutes or until the macaroni noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat: Once pasta is cooked just right, take the skillet off the heat source.
Incorporate cheese: Add the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese to the skillet and stir thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.

Notes

Use reduced-sodium broth to control the salt content in the dish.
For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to avoid noodles sticking to the pan.
You can substitute macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or elbow pasta.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.