Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is pure comfort food — rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. This simple one-pan dish combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni for a hearty dinner the entire family will enjoy. Unlike store-bought boxed versions, this homemade recipe uses real, wholesome ingredients for a truly satisfying meal you can feel good about serving.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

This recipe is a total weeknight lifesaver — fast, easy, and incredibly tasty. It’s made from scratch, so you control the flavors and quality of ingredients. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats the macaroni, while the seasoned beef adds a satisfying heartiness. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax. Kids love it, adults crave it, and it makes excellent leftovers (if there are any!).

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 ½ teaspoons sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten-free)

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 ¾ cups quality beef broth

• 2 cups dried whole wheat elbow macaroni (or gluten-free macaroni)

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

1. Brown the Beef – Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spoon.

2. Add Onion – Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Season & Thicken – Mix in tomato paste, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.

4. Create the Sauce – Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring to combine.

5. Cook the Pasta – Add the macaroni and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes (check for al dente at 9 minutes).

6. Add the Cheese – Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.

7. Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese — It melts better than pre-shredded.

• Don’t overcook the pasta — Check at 9 minutes for perfect al dente texture.

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.

• Different cheeses like Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda add unique flavors.

• Veggie boost — Add diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.

• Low-carb option — Swap macaroni for cauliflower florets.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 565 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Protein: 31 g

• Fat: 33 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Cholesterol: 101 mg

• Sodium: 905 mg

• Potassium: 685 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 925 IU

• Vitamin C: 3.1 mg

• Calcium: 398 mg

• Iron: 3.4 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also pair beautifully with this hearty dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop with a little milk to keep it creamy.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free macaroni and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it scales perfectly for larger groups. Use a bigger pot or Dutch oven for even cooking.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mixing in Monterey Jack or Gouda creates a creamier texture and richer flavor.

Conclusion

Thank you for stopping by to check out this BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe! It’s one of my all-time favorites — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish hits the spot every time. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of this food-loving community!

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is a cheesy, hearty, one-pan dinner that’s quick, easy, and perfect for family nights. This from-scratch version uses real ingredients for a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

1 ½ tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or 1 tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)

2 cups whole milk

1 ¾ cups beef broth

2 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni (or gluten-free macaroni)

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

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Instructions

• Brown the Beef – Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spoon.

• Add Onion – Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

• Season & Thicken – Mix in tomato paste, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.

• Create the Sauce – Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring to combine.

• Cook the Pasta – Add the macaroni and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes (check for al dente at 9 minutes).

• Add the Cheese – Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.

• Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.

Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add veggies like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 565
• Sugar: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 31g