If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just thirty minutes, this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is pure dinner bliss! Imagine all your favorite cheeseburger flavors mingling with tender macaroni, cloaked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s pure nostalgia—but ten times better than any boxed mix. It’s got crave-worthy, savory depth from the beef and broth, balanced perfectly with sharp cheddar and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this crowd-pleasing dish guarantees smiles all around!

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe keeps it simple but each ingredient is a true hero here. Everything, from the robust ground beef to the final sprinkle of parsley, brings its own magic—adding flavor, creaminess, or just that irresistible golden color that makes you want seconds.

Olive Oil: A splash in the pan gets everything started and helps the beef brown beautifully.
Ground Beef: This is the heart of our dish, offering richness and classic cheeseburger flavor.
Onion: Chopped small, it melts into the beef for subtle sweetness and body.
Garlic: Just two cloves boost the savory notes and make the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
Paprika: Adds color and a mild kick that wakes up the cheese sauce.
Mustard Powder: A little dash brings a hidden tang that echoes that classic burger taste.
Salt: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the savory flavors.
Black Pepper: For just the right amount of warmth and depth.
Beef Broth: Cook your macaroni right in this for extra meaty goodness in every bite.
Milk: Combines with the cheeses for that signature creamy texture.
Uncooked Elbow Macaroni: These cook up tender while soaking up all those comforting flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheese sauce—shred it fresh for best melt and sharpness.
Parmesan Cheese: A little goes a long way to add salty, nutty richness.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green makes every bowl look and taste even more inviting.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, crumble in your ground beef and let it cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Take your time here—the browning adds deep, savory flavor. Drain any excess fat, but leave a touch for richness. This foundational step sets you up for classic cheeseburger satisfaction!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring well. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion starts to turn translucent and the garlic smells fragrant. These aromatics melt into the background, infusing the whole dish with big, balanced flavor—no chunky onions, just major taste.

Step 3: Season with Spices

Sprinkle in the paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the beef is coated evenly in these savory, zesty spices. This is where your Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe starts to really taste like a classic burger with a little something extra!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Macaroni

Pour in your beef broth and milk, then add the dry macaroni right to the pan. Give it all a good stir to combine the goodies. Turn up the heat just until it all comes to a gentle boil. This method not only saves time (and dishes!) but also ensures the pasta soaks up every ounce of those beefy, seasoned flavors.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet, and let it gently bubble for 10 to 12 minutes. Lift the lid to give it a stir every couple of minutes. As the macaroni softens, most of the liquid will be absorbed, bringing all those luscious flavors together. Watch for tender noodles and a thickened sauce—this is what cozy dinner dreams are made of!

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Watch as everything transforms into a creamy, gooey, golden sauce. Give it a minute or two to settle and thicken before serving—this patience pays off with the perfect texture every time.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley offers color and a hit of freshness on top of each bowl. If you want to capture even more cheeseburger vibes, try scattering on a few finely diced pickles or a swirl of ketchup. No two bowls need to be the same—make it fun!

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish is super filling on its own, but a crisp green salad makes a perfect, refreshing contrast to all the creamy comfort. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also irresistible for mopping up the last bits of cheesy sauce. For a playful twist, serve it with sweet corn on the cob—just like a backyard cookout!

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the bowl! Pile your Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe into individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for a mini casserole feel. Or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for an adorable, all-in-one dinner. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it “slider style” in toasted buns for a truly unique cheeseburger pasta mash-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers disappear quickly thanks to this dish’s crave factor, but storing is a breeze! Simply scoop cooled Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld overnight, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe freezes like a champ. Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, pressing out excess air. It keeps well for up to three months—just remember to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to reheat.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or milk to revive the creaminess. You can also microwave single servings in a covered dish. Just be careful not to overcook, as that can cause the cheese sauce to thicken too much.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free macaroni or elbow-shaped pasta, and double-check that your broth and mustard powder are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe works perfectly with these easy swaps.

What other cheeses can I use for the sauce?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend with mozzarella all melt beautifully. For a smoky edge, try a hint of smoked gouda!

Can I add veggies to this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe?

Definitely! Stir in roughly chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes when you add the onions and garlic. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese and milk, and skip the extra olive oil. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness, but with a friendlier nutrition profile!

How can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Just double every ingredient and use your biggest pot or skillet—this recipe scales up beautifully for parties or potlucks. Just be sure to give the pasta a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, and watch that the liquid is absorbed evenly as it simmers.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home—easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a meal that’ll win over picky eaters, impress your friends, or simply remind you of childhood favorites made even better, give this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe a try. Trust me, one forkful and you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen!

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting macaroni dish with this easy Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids:

2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk

Others:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Saute aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Add seasonings: Stir in paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth and milk, then add macaroni. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Melt cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy.
Serve: Let sit for a couple of minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.