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Cheeseburger Macaroni 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, and add black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, ensuring all ingredients are heated through.
  5. Simmer gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  6. 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.
  7. Remove from heat: Once pasta is cooked just right, take the skillet off the heat source.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.