4 Shares

A cozy, hearty, and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender macaroni with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
½ white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1 tsp salt)
¼ cup ketchup (or tomato sauce)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz dry elbow macaroni
2 ½ cups beef broth
½ cup heavy cream, half & half, or whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best results)
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil (if needed), then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while it cooks. Add the diced onion and continue to cook for 5–7 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease if desired.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, Italian seasoning, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the meat is evenly coated with the spices.

3. Add Ketchup and Worcestershire

Pour in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.

4. Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 9–11 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Add Cream and Cheese

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like some heat.

7. Serve

Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy hamburger macaroni!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pan meal, meaning minimal cleanup.
Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger and mac & cheese into one comforting dish.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or seasonings.

Tips

Use freshly grated cheese — it melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to soften slightly as the sauce thickens.
Adjust consistency — if the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
For extra flavor, try browning the meat with a touch of butter.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Vegetarian option: Replace meat with lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch certified gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but note that cream-based sauces can slightly change texture. Freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve your hamburger macaroni with:

A crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side.
Garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
A light dessert like fruit salad or vanilla pudding to finish the meal.