One pot macaroni cheeseburger is a delicious, quick, and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy macaroni and cheese, all made in one pot. This hearty dish has everything you love about a cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, and rich flavors—mixed with the comfort of pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. This article will take you through a detailed recipe, helpful tips, and frequently asked questions to make your one pot macaroni cheeseburger a success.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger
This dish is the best of both worlds: the satisfying taste of a cheeseburger combined with the rich, comforting texture of mac and cheese. Here’s why you’ll enjoy it:
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time in the kitchen.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and full of classic cheeseburger flavors, this dish is ultimate comfort food.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of beefy, cheesy, and creamy pasta flavors.
Ingredients
To make this hearty one-pot dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Liquid and Seasonings
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine with the beef mixture.
- Add Milk, Worcestershire Sauce, and Mustard: Pour in the milk, then add Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Stir to incorporate all flavors.
Cook the Pasta
- Add the Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. This step allows the pasta to cook right in the pot, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Bring to a Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the Cheese
- Add the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for added flavor and color.
- Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Adjust the Liquid if Necessary: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking, feel free to add a little more broth or milk to maintain the desired creamy consistency.
- Cook Pasta to Just Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb liquid even after cooking. Aim for a slightly firm, al dente texture.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a less greasy result, use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher). You can also drain any excess grease after browning if needed.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the pot along with the cheese for a smoky, bacon cheeseburger flavor.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack, to create your unique flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Serving Suggestions
One pot macaroni cheeseburger is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to enhance your meal:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a dinner roll is perfect for mopping up any creamy sauce left in the bowl.
- Pickle Spears: Cheeseburgers and pickles are a classic combo. Add some dill pickle spears on the side for a tangy contrast.
- Top with Crumbled Potato Chips: For a fun and crunchy twist, sprinkle crushed potato chips over each serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture as it tends to thicken when cooled.
2. Can I freeze one pot macaroni cheeseburger?
Yes, you can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that pasta tends to soften after freezing. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop with a little added liquid.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works best for that classic cheeseburger mac feel, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells will also work well.
4. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for a similar savory flavor.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute the macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety, and make sure the Worcestershire sauce and broth are also gluten-free.
6. Can I use dairy-free milk and cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free option like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free shredded cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
One pot macaroni cheeseburger is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the best of cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese into a single, delicious pot. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavors that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to customize, whether you want to add bacon, veggies, or spice for a unique twist.
With minimal cleanup and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a warm, filling meal. Try this one pot macaroni cheeseburger for dinner, and watch it become a family favorite in no time!
