Cheeseburger macaroni is one of those nostalgic meals that brings back all the cozy childhood memories.
It’s warm, cheesy, and full of flavor — the kind of dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
When you make it from scratch, it tastes so much better than the boxed stuff —
no mystery powder, just real ingredients.
And the best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes in one skillet.
Your family will love how creamy and comforting it is,
and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to make on a busy night.
For Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Ground Beef – A full pound adds that hearty, meaty flavor. Use lean or regular, depending on your preference.
- Avocado Oil – For browning the meat and sautéing the onions. You can also use olive or vegetable oil.
- Onion – Finely chopped for extra flavor and a hint of sweetness once cooked down.
- Tomato Paste – Adds rich depth and a subtle tang to balance the cheese and beef.
- Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder – This trio builds the savory, slightly smoky base.
- Salt & Pepper – Classic seasoning to bring everything together.
- Sugar – Just a small amount to balance the acidity of the tomato paste.
- Chili Powder – Adds a gentle warmth, not spicy—just flavor-packed.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
- Gluten-free? Use 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in broth instead.
- Whole Milk – Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
- Beef Broth – Adds a savory depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
- Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni – Cooks in the same skillet for easy cleanup.
- Gluten-free option: use your favorite GF pasta.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce for that signature cheeseburger flavor.
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- For gluten-free: use 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in the beef broth instead
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1¾ cups good-quality beef broth
- 2 cups dried whole wheat elbow macaroni
- Gluten-free? Use GF elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned with no pink left.
- Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, spices, and flour. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Pour in the milk and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the dry macaroni and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Check around the 9-minute mark for al dente texture.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it's melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 398mg | Iron: 3.4mg
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to substitute with similar-sized pasta like shells or rotini. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness as you go.
2. What if I don’t have avocado oil?
No problem! You can use other cooking oils such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or even butter. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but all will work well for sautéing the beef and onions.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the beef broth before adding it to the skillet.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas make great additions. Sauté them along with the onions to incorporate extra flavor and nutrients.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
