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A bowl of homemade cheeseburger macaroni with ground beef and creamy melted cheese sauce, served on a rustic wooden table.

The Best Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is a creamy, cheesy one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in comforting pasta form. Made from scratch with real ingredients, it’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base

  • 1 pound ground beef use 85/15 for the best flavor balance
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil helps brown the meat evenly
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped adds sweetness and depth

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste gives a rich, hearty base
  • 1.5 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar balances acidity from tomato paste
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder adds a light warmth
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour thickens the sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk creates a creamy texture
  • 1.75 cups beef broth enhances savory flavor

For the Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups dried whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese shred it yourself for smoothest melt

Instructions
 

  • 1. Brown the Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • 2. Sauté the Onion: Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • 3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • 4. Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle flour evenly over mixture. Slowly pour in milk and beef broth while stirring constantly. Cook until sauce begins to thicken.
  • 5. Add Pasta and Simmer: Stir in uncooked macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • 6. Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar until melted and creamy.
  • 7. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, cook pasta to al dente and melt cheese off the heat to prevent graininess.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch and gluten-free pasta.
  • Try adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.