One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Welcome to a comforting and delicious recipe for One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni! This hearty dish combines the flavors of a juicy burger with the cozy satisfaction of a pasta dinner, all cooked in just one pot for easy prep and cleanup. Each spoonful is a delightful medley of hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, real cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, tangy ketchup, and a hint of pickle—an ultimate comfort food with minimal hassle.

I always turn to this recipe when the weather cools down and my family craves something filling yet simple to whip up after a long day. This One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a hit every time, especially with my picky eater who even requests leftovers in her lunchbox the next day! The addition of thick-cut bacon elevates the classic cheeseburger concept to a whole new level, making it a family favorite that brings smiles and satisfaction with every bite.

Embrace the nostalgia of American diner food and boxed macaroni dinners with this homemade delight that promises fresh ingredients and robust flavors. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize with your favorite toppings and swaps, this recipe is sure to warm your soul and become a beloved go-to for cozy family meals. Give this One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni a try, and let it become a staple on your dinner table!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient One-Pot Meal: Quick prep and easier cleanup with all the flavors of a juicy burger in a comforting pasta dish.
• Customizable and Versatile: Swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey, bacon for turkey bacon, or cheddar for other cheeses to suit preferences.
• Make-ahead Friendly: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for days, and it freezes beautifully for future easy meals.
• Family Favorite: A dish that brings together the richness of burgers and the coziness of homemade pasta, appealing to picky eaters and delighting guests alike.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Simple one-pot preparation for quick prep and easy cleanup – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Deliciously Comforting: Combines the flavors of a juicy burger with the heartiness of a pasta dinner – a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, making it a go-to dish for family dinners and lunchbox leftovers.
• Bacon Lovers Rejoice: Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that elevates the classic cheeseburger taste to a whole new level.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey or chicken, or adjust cheese varieties for personal preferences.
• Versatile Side Options: Pair with a simple salad, garlic toast, or crispy fried onions for a well-rounded meal.
• Nostalgic Twist: Evokes the nostalgia of American diner food and boxed macaroni dinners, but with fresher, homemade ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers for later enjoyment, and reheat with some broth or milk for added creaminess.

Ingredients for One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Main

• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 100 g elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 450 g ground beef
• 200 g cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)

Pro Tips for One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Pro Tips:

For a richer flavor, try browning the ground beef with the diced onions before adding the rest of the ingredients. This helps build a deeper savory base for your cheeseburger macaroni.

To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid levels as it cooks. You can always add a bit more beef broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

To add a crispy texture, consider topping your cheeseburger macaroni with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions just before serving. This will add a fun crunch and extra flavor to each bite.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook Bacon

Chop bacon strips finely and cook in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove cooked bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Onion

In a pot, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until beef is fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Incorporate Sauces and Seasonings

Add tomato paste, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in beef broth until well combined.

Step 4: Cook Macaroni

Bring the mixture to a boil. Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to simmer, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Take the pot off the heat, then mix in grated cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper, then let it sit for a few minutes to combine flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle with extra cheese and cover until melted. Garnish with chopped pickles before serving, if preferred.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of one pot cheeseburger macaroni, allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers. This pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for about three to four days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen up the sauce and maintain its creamy texture. It’s recommended to reserve a portion in a container for a delicious lunch option the next day.

For longer-term storage, this cheeseburger macaroni can also be frozen in airtight containers. When reheating from frozen, gently warm the dish and consider adding a splash of broth or milk for added creaminess. Whether stored in the fridge or freezer, this hearty and flavorful dish is a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights or a tasty lunchtime treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a lighter bacon flavor, smoked turkey bacon can be used as a substitute. If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, small shells or rotini pasta can be used as alternatives. Additionally, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for cheddar to add a different melty kick to the dish.

For a creamier texture, mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella along with or instead of the sharp cheddar called for in the recipe. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to omit the bacon altogether or replace it with turkey bacon. To add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños while cooking the beef. This dish also freezes well, so you can store leftovers in airtight containers for later enjoyment—just make sure to reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with this one pot cheeseburger macaroni, try topping each bowl with a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. The creamy sour cream complements the richness of the dish while the crunchy onions add a delightful texture contrast.

To elevate this dish further, consider serving the cheeseburger macaroni in individual baked potato bowls. Simply scoop out the flesh of baked potatoes, fill them with the cheesy macaroni mixture, and bake until the tops are golden and crispy. This unique presentation adds a playful twist to the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and fries, making it a fun and satisfying meal for any occasion.

FAQs for One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, penne or shells also work well—just adjust the cooking time if needed for similar tenderness.

Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Can I make a lighter version of this dish by omitting or substituting the bacon?

Absolutely, you can omit the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon for a lighter variation.

How can I add extra heat to the dish?

You can add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef for extra heat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a surefire way to bring the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a delicious pasta dish that the whole family will love. The convenience of making it all in one pot means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a hearty meal together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone smiling and satisfied.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up this One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni for your next meal. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to your liking and make ahead for easy leftovers. With its rich and flavorful combination of ingredients, this dish is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try and experience the joy of a homemade comfort food classic with a unique twist.

One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Easy and Delicious Recipe

“Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this one pot cheeseburger macaroni—creamy, savory, and packed with nostalgic flavors in a quick, satisfying meal!”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 portions)

Ingredients

Main

• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 100 g elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 450 g ground beef
• 200 g cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook Bacon: Chop bacon strips finely and cook in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove cooked bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Brown Beef and Onion: In a pot, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until beef is fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Incorporate Sauces and Seasonings: Add tomato paste, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in beef broth until well combined.
4. Cook Macaroni: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to simmer, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon: Take the pot off the heat, then mix in grated cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper, then let it sit for a few minutes to combine flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with extra cheese and cover until melted. Garnish with chopped pickles before serving, if preferred.