One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni

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One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni is the epitome of comfort food. This dish combines the savory goodness of ground beef, the creaminess of cheddar cheese, and the familiar pasta texture we all love. It’s a simple, one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a satisfying, hearty meal.

Also, try Porcupine Meatballs. We like both with 10 minute rolls or fluffy yeast rolls, salad, and a classic dessert like better than boxed fudgy brownies.

Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni

The Cheesy beef pasta is a flavor-packed dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Here’s a breakdown of its taste profile:

  1. Savory: The lean ground beef is seasoned with a combination of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings add a rich, savory depth to the dish, making it incredibly satisfying.
  2. Creamy: The star of the show is the four cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which melt into the dish, creating a velvety, cheesy sauce. The cheese not only adds creaminess but also a delightful, mild tanginess.
  3. Slightly Sweet: The addition of sugar and ketchup gives this dish a hint of sweetness that balances the savory and creamy elements. It’s not overly sweet but just enough to round out the flavors.
  4. Comforting: The combination of the seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender elbow pasta creates a comforting, homely feel. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart with every bite.
Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Ingredients

The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, you’ll never misplace it.

  • lean ground beef or ground turkey or chicken
  • cornstarch
  • paprika
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • sugar
  • pepper
  • ketchup
  • beef broth
  • milk or non-dairy milk
  • elbow pasta
  • cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • Parsley for garnish optional
A plate of One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni on a wooden table.

Beef and Cheese Macaroni Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow pasta with other pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and use plant-based alternatives like veggie crumbles or tofu for a vegetarian version. Ensure you adjust the seasonings to your taste.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the recipe. Adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when needed. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

A plate of One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni on a table.

One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni

One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni is a delightful, family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Its savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors come together in a harmonious blend of comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or as a quick dinner option, this dish is bound to please your taste buds and fill your home with delicious aromas. Give it a try and savor the goodness of this classic one-pot wonder.

A plate of One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni on a wooden table.

More more more to love!

  1. Hissy Fit Pasta
  2. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Casserole
  3. Cheeseburger pasta
  4. My 17 favorite pasta dinners
  5. Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipes
  6. Chicken Puff Pastry Pot Pie
Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

One Pot Cheesy Beef Macaroni

This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is my go-to weeknight dinner! This homemade version of Hamburger Helper comes together quickly and is delicious once you realize how easy this is to make you’ll never reach for the boxed stuff again!  Family-friendly and picky eater-approved!
Author: Paula
5 from 43 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 16 ounces elbow pasta
  • 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • Parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • In a large pan over a medium-high heat, add ground beef brown, crumble and drain.
    1 pound lean ground beef
  • To the pan with the beef add your cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, pepper, ketchup, beef broth and milk.
    tablespoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 cups beef broth, 2 cups milk
  • Stir to combine.
  • Add in the elbow pasta.
    16 ounces elbow pasta
  • Stir and bring up to boil.
  • Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked through.
  • Stir in the cheese.
    4 cups cheddar cheese
  • Once the cheese is melted garnish with parsley and serve!
    Parsley for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: 761kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1312mg | Potassium: 701mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1249IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 671mg | Iron: 3mg
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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I cooked this one-pot cheesy beef macaroni and enjoyed it. Next time, I’ll substitute rotini pasta.

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