Description

This Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole delivers all the cozy flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a one-pan, ultra-comforting pasta dish. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed with seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic, then folded into a rich, cheesy sauce that comes together right on the stovetop. It’s a quick, family-friendly dinner that feels nostalgic and satisfying with every creamy, cheesy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through and the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain off any excess fat from the skillet, if needed. Return the pan to the heat.
Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Mix well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the sauce and distribute the beef evenly.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired creaminess.
Remove from heat and let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve warm.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding small splashes of milk or broth until it coats the pasta the way you like.
Taste before adding salt—both the broth and cheese already contribute sodium.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot Style
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
Sugar: 5 g (approx.)
Sodium: 900 mg (approx., varies with broth and cheese)
Fat: 24 g (approx.)
Saturated Fat: 12 g (approx.)
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g (approx.)
Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
Carbohydrates: 35 g (approx.)
Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
Protein: 26 g (approx.)
Cholesterol: 90 mg (approx.)

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, homemade hamburger helper, cheesy beef pasta, one pot dinner, comfort food casserole