One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni

There’s something about the scent of sizzling ground beef mingling with melted cheese and tender pasta that hits home like nothing else. When I first tried my hand at one pan cheeseburger macaroni, I was chasing the perfect weeknight meal — something quick, satisfying, and with zero fuss. This recipe nails that balance, delivering all those cozy cheeseburger flavors wrapped up in a creamy, comforting pasta dish. I love it because it’s simple but packs a punch—perfect for busy nights when you want flavor without the drama. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes, which is an extra win in my book!

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Why It Works & Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Let me walk you through why these ingredients come together so well. Using lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty without being overly greasy, which is crucial since the cheese already brings in that creamy richness. I always add onion and garlic at the beginning to build a savory base—their sweetness and aroma make the whole house smell amazing. Elbow macaroni is a classic pairing here because its curved shape captures the sauce in every bite. Beef broth as the cooking liquid adds depth of flavor that you just don’t get with plain water. I toss in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for subtle umami layers, while smoked paprika gives a gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering the cheeseburger vibe. Butter adds a silky finish and helps melt the cheese smoothly, which makes the sauce absolutely dreamy.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni

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One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni delivers a quick tasty meal that solves dinner stress and satisfies hunger fast and easy

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups elbow macaroni

2.5 cups beef broth

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned but still juicy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add the chopped onion and garlic directly to the pan with the beef. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, letting the tomato paste slightly caramelize for about 2 minutes.

Add the elbow macaroni to the pan and pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a low boil.

Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve immediately for the best melty, cheesy experience.

Notes

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni combines the cozy flavors of cheeseburgers with creamy pasta in a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe uses lean ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over but still juicy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic directly to the pan with the beef. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. The smell here gets seriously mouthwatering!
3. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, letting the tomato paste slightly caramelize for about 2 minutes. This layer of flavor is what really wakes up the dish.
4. Add the elbow macaroni to the pan and pour in the beef broth and milk. Give everything a good stir to combine. The macaroni needs to cook in this liquid, so bring it up to a low boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender, and the sauce will start to thicken.
6. Once the macaroni is cooked just right (firm but not crunchy), turn off the heat and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese. It’ll look a bit curdled at first, but keep stirring—soon you’ll have a luscious, creamy sauce that hugs every noodle.
7. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a fresh pop of color and bite.
8. Serve immediately for the best melty, cheesy experience!

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Tips for Success

• Use fresh cheese: For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly due to the lack of anti-caking agents.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the pasta gently cook in broth and milk blends all the flavors and delivers a naturally thickened sauce without needing extra flour or cream.
• Adjust liquid as needed: Depending on your stovetop and pan, you might need a touch more broth. Keep a little extra on hand and add in small amounts if the pasta looks too dry before fully cooked.
• Season gradually: Since the broth and cheese add saltiness, add salt in stages and taste before the final seasoning step.
• Use a heavy pan with a lid: A sturdy skillet retains heat evenly, cooking macaroni perfectly without burning the sauce.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Storage & Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. The texture does firm up once chilled, so here’s what I do when reheating:

• Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with a tablespoon of milk. Stir halfway through reheating to warm evenly and restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Avoid reheating directly in a dry skillet, as this can dry out the cheesy sauce and make the pasta rubbery.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work just as nicely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta size and shape.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or seasoned mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep flavors balanced and still savory.

What type of cheese gives the best flavor?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts nicely and gives that classic cheeseburger tang. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or a bit of smoked gouda for a smoky twist.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

While the final dish is best served fresh, you can brown the meat and prepare the sauce base ahead, then refrigerate separately. Finish cooking the pasta and combine everything just before serving for fresher texture.

Why is the tomato paste important in the recipe?

Tomato paste adds a hint of acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef. It also deepens the sauce’s color and flavor, making the dish taste more like a classic cheeseburger.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Nutritional Information

Estimated nutritional values per serving (makes about 4 servings):

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg

These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size. Using leaner beef or low-fat dairy will reduce fat and calories.

One Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni: Getting Cheesy and Cozy

At the end of a busy day, this one pan cheeseburger macaroni is my go-to comfort food fix. It’s quick, doesn’t demand fancy ingredients, and fills the kitchen with mouthwatering smells that bring everyone running. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll have it in your rotation too. If you make it, don’t forget to come back and share your experience or tweaks—chatting about food is my favorite kind of chaos!