Hey there! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: one pot cheeseburger macaroni! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it comes together in no time, which is a lifesaver on those crazy busy evenings. You know the ones I’m talking about—when you’ve got a million things to do and dinner is the last thing on your mind. Well, this recipe is here to make your life a whole lot easier!
Growing up, my family often enjoyed those boxed macaroni meals, but I wanted to elevate that classic comfort food experience. When I first made this one pot wonder, I was hooked! The combination of cheesy goodness and hearty beef is just irresistible. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less clean-up and more time to relax with your loved ones.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for busy nights or when you just want something delicious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful one pot cheeseburger macaroni. I promise, these ingredients are simple and likely to be found in your kitchen already!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking. It just makes the process smoother and more enjoyable! You can even get the kids involved by having them help measure out the ingredients—it’s a fun way to bond over a delicious meal!
How to Prepare One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step of making this one pot cheeseburger macaroni. It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end of it!
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
First things first, grab a large pot and set it over medium heat. Toss in that 1 lb of ground beef along with the diced onion. You’ll want to break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks. Keep an eye on it; the beef should turn a nice brown color and the onions will become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward—just tilt the pot slightly and use a ladle to scoop it out. We want all that flavor without the greasiness!
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Once the meat and onions are looking fab, it’s time to add the rest! Stir in 2 cups of macaroni pasta, 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, too. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s well mixed. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Boil and Simmer
Now, bring the mixture to a boil. This is the exciting part! Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is important—stirring helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Just be patient; soon you’ll have perfectly cooked macaroni soaking up all that delicious flavor!
Step 4: Combine Milk and Cheese
When the pasta is tender and cooked through, it’s time to turn up the creaminess factor! Pour in 1 cup of milk and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese has melted into a gooey, cheesy delight. Trust me, this is the moment you’ll want to dive right in, but hold on for just a sec!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to serve up your one pot cheeseburger macaroni! Scoop it into bowls while it’s still hot and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top or even some chopped green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy every cheesy bite with your loved ones, and don’t be surprised if you get asked for seconds!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making your one pot cheeseburger macaroni, I’ve got some handy tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Stir Often: This is key! Stirring the macaroni occasionally while it simmers helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Trust me, no one wants a burnt bottom!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt can really enhance those flavors!
- Mix It Up: Feel free to get creative! You can swap in ground turkey for a lighter version, add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for some extra nutrition, or even throw in a splash of hot sauce if you like a kick!
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses too! Try mozzarella for a stringy melt or pepper jack for some heat. The world is your cheesy oyster!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, they’re just as delicious! Just remember to store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to keep that creamy texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a comforting and satisfying one pot cheeseburger macaroni that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Variations on One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
One of the best things about this one pot cheeseburger macaroni is how versatile it is! You can switch things up and make it your own with just a few simple ingredient changes. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. It’s just as delicious and will save you some calories!
- Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Add in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when you add the macaroni. They’ll cook up beautifully and add some color to your dish!
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a mix of cheeses for a flavor explosion!
- Mac and Cheese Style: If you love a super cheesy experience, throw in more cheese at the end! You can never go wrong with extra cheese, right?
- Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process. It’ll give your meal a nice spicy edge!
- BBQ Flavor: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky, tangy twist that’ll take your meal to the next level.
Feel free to get creative with these variations or come up with your own! The beauty of this dish is that it’s all about what you enjoy. So, don’t hesitate to play around and make it uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! You definitely don’t want to waste any of this cheesy goodness. Storing and reheating your one pot cheeseburger macaroni is super simple, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it tasting amazing!
First off, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down a bit before storing them. It’ll help prevent condensation in your container, which means your macaroni stays nice and fresh.
For storage, I recommend using airtight containers. Glass containers are perfect because they don’t stain and are easy to reheat in the microwave. If you don’t have those, plastic containers work just fine too—just make sure they’re labeled as microwave-safe!
Your one pot cheeseburger macaroni will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it! Just portion it out into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Now, when it comes time to reheat, if you’re pulling it from the fridge, just pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated all the way through. You might want to add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy texture—trust me, it makes all the difference!
If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first, and then follow the same microwave instructions. Or, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk as needed while stirring to keep it creamy.
And that’s it! Easy peasy, right? With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your one pot cheeseburger macaroni even after the first meal. Happy eating!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious one pot cheeseburger macaroni! I always find it helpful to know what kind of fuel I’m putting into my body, especially when it’s a comforting meal like this one. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of this dish:
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or any modifications you make. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s both delicious and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries I hear about making one pot cheeseburger macaroni. Let’s dive in and see if I can help you out!
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish. It’ll still taste amazing, and you’ll get the same comforting vibes!
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. This includes browning the meat, simmering the pasta, and melting in that glorious cheese. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or even water. Just keep in mind that using broth will add more flavor to the dish, so if you can, stick with broth!
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even peas. Just add them when you mix in the macaroni, and they’ll cook perfectly in the pot.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 4 servings, which is perfect for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends. You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can! If you want to prep in advance, you can cook it and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat, and it’ll taste just as good!
Why is my pasta sticking together?
Oh no! If your pasta is sticking, it might be because it wasn’t stirred enough while simmering. Make sure to give it a good stir occasionally while it cooks, and you’ll be golden!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to cool it down first and store in airtight containers. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you enjoy every cheesy bite of your one pot cheeseburger macaroni!
For more delicious recipes, check out our pasta recipes or explore easy appetizers to complement your meal!
Print
One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: 5 Steps to Cheesy Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious one pot cheeseburger macaroni recipe. Perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add macaroni, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in milk and cheese until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot cheeseburger macaroni
