This Cheeseburger Mac is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese. Featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers all the flavor you crave in just a fraction of the time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheeseburger Flavor – Juicy ground beef, onions, and cheese create a classic taste in pasta form.
Creamy & Cheesy – A smooth cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Family-Friendly – A warm, comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup milk (any variety)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or diced pickles
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef
In the same pot or a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. - Make it Cheesy
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. - Combine with Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. - Serve
Garnish with parsley or diced pickles if desired, and enjoy warm.

Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Add Extra Veggies – Stir in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Boost the Flavor – Try seasoning the beef with paprika, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- Creamier Texture – Add a splash more milk or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe blends the hearty, savory notes of a cheeseburger with the creamy satisfaction of mac and cheese, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and filling. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it stays perfectly tender, while the cheesy sauce brings everything together into a comforting meal.
Cheeseburger Mac is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of classic comfort food taste. Perfect for weeknights, it comes together in just 30 minutes and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Cheeseburger Mac – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
6
10
minutes20
420
kcalA creamy, cheesy pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, cheddar, and classic cheeseburger flavors — a family-friendly comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup milk (any variety)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or diced pickles
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef
In the same pot or a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. - Make it Cheesy
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. - Combine with Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. - Serve
Garnish with parsley or diced pickles if desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Add Extra Veggies – Stir in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Boost the Flavor – Try seasoning the beef with paprika, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
Creamier Texture – Add a splash more milk or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.