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20-Minute One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac

Cheeseburger mac made in one pot with ground beef, tangy burger-style sauce, and melty cheddar—finished with pickles for the classic bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni dry
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
To Finish
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish or chopped pickles

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add broth, milk, and dry macaroni. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in cheddar until melted and creamy.
  7. Top with pickle relish (or chopped pickles) and serve hot.

Notes

Swap the meat: Ground turkey works too—add a pinch more salt for flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
Stretch it: Stir in peas or chopped spinach near the end.
Leftovers: Reheat with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess.