When you think about comfort food, a few classics immediately come to mind—mac and cheese, burgers, hearty stews. But what if I told you that you can bring all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy, one-pot macaroni dish that practically cooks itself? That’s exactly what Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni delivers.

This recipe is a weeknight dream come true. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish checks every box. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, all while being incredibly simple to make thanks to your slow cooker. With just a little prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the Crock Pot work its magic while you handle the rest of your day.

I love how this recipe transforms humble, everyday ingredients into something that feels a little indulgent without being complicated. The creamy sauce, made with Velveeta and cheddar cheese, wraps every bite of macaroni in cheesy goodness. Meanwhile, the ground beef, beef stock, and seasonings give it that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor we all love.

Now, let’s dive right into how you can bring this delicious meal to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need for this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni:

2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cups beef stock
10.5 ounce can cream of potato soup
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
8 ounce block Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

These simple pantry staples come together to create a creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying dish that tastes like it took hours to make—because, technically, it did! But with minimal effort on your part.

STEP 1: Brown the Ground Beef

The first step is to cook the ground beef. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and begin breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to continue cooking the beef until it’s completely browned, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. This step is important to prevent your Crock Pot from becoming too greasy during the slow cooking process.

STEP 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Now, transfer your cooked ground beef to the bottom of your 6-8 quart slow cooker. This will be the base layer for your cheeseburger macaroni.

Next, add the finely diced onion, beef stock, cream of potato soup, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined.

At this point, your Crock Pot is loaded with flavor. The beef stock and seasonings will infuse the meat with savory richness, while the cream of potato soup adds a touch of creaminess right from the start.

STEP 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook. You have two options here:

Low setting: Cook for 4-6 hours
High setting: Cook for 2-4 hours

Whichever setting you choose, it’s a good idea to give it a stir occasionally if you’re around, but if not, don’t worry. The slow cooker does an excellent job of blending the flavors together over time.

As your kitchen starts to fill with the mouthwatering aroma of this cheeseburger-inspired dish, you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Finishing Your Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni to Perfection

Now that your slow cooker has done the heavy lifting, it’s time to bring everything together for that rich, cheesy, and perfectly creamy finish. This part is where the real magic happens—the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth, and the cheeses melt into a luscious sauce that coats every bite.

Let’s get right back into the steps to complete your Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni.

STEP 4: Add the Elbow Macaroni

Once your beef mixture has been slow cooking and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to add the macaroni. Stir the 16 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the slow cooker.

Because the pasta cooks right in the Crock Pot, it absorbs all the beefy, seasoned broth, making every bite extra flavorful. Be sure to stir the mixture well so the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.

STEP 5: Cook and Stir the Pasta

Set your slow cooker to continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes. During this time, it’s important to stir the mixture every 10 minutes. This prevents the macaroni from sticking to the bottom or clumping together as it cooks.

Keep a close eye during this step, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker. You’re aiming for tender, but not overcooked, noodles. The stirring also ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs as much of the rich, seasoned broth as possible.

STEP 6: Stir in the Velveeta Cheese

Once the macaroni is perfectly cooked, it’s time to turn this dish into the creamy, cheesy delight we’ve been waiting for.

Add the cubed Velveeta cheese directly into the slow cooker. Stir the cubes gently into the hot mixture. Then, cover the Crock Pot again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, stir everything together until the Velveeta is completely melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. This is when your Cheeseburger Macaroni really starts to look and smell irresistible. The Velveeta gives the dish a silky, creamy texture that binds all the flavors beautifully.

STEP 7: Top with Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Finally, for that classic cheeseburger touch, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture. Cover the slow cooker once more and let the cheddar melt for an additional 5-10 minutes.

The shredded cheddar adds an extra layer of gooey, melted goodness that takes this dish to the next level. Once the cheese is fully melted, give the macaroni one last gentle stir, and you’re ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

To help you make this recipe perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use freshly shredded cheddar: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Shredding your own cheddar melts more smoothly.
Stir frequently after adding the pasta: This ensures even cooking and prevents the noodles from sticking to the pot.
Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to taste the mixture before adding the pasta and adjust the spices if needed. You can add more garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper depending on your preferences.
Customize your add-ins: This dish is incredibly versatile. Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or sautéed mushrooms for even more cheeseburger-inspired flavors.
Watch the pasta closely: Because every slow cooker heats a little differently, keep an eye on your macaroni to avoid overcooking. You want it tender but not mushy.

Optional Flavor Boosts

If you want to add a little extra zing to your Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, consider stirring in a tablespoon of mustard or ketchup when you add the Velveeta. It’s a simple addition that really highlights the classic cheeseburger flavors and gives the sauce a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese.

FAQ: Your Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Questions Answered

As simple and straightforward as this recipe is, a few questions always tend to come up when making Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni. Let’s go through some of the most common ones to make sure you’re fully prepared.

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can easily be substituted if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You may also want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.

2. Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the macaroni cooks right in the slow cooker. That’s part of what makes this recipe so convenient. Just be sure to stir frequently during the pasta cooking step to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats very well. You can fully prepare it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.

4. Can I freeze Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni?
You can, but keep in mind that pasta can sometimes change texture after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed veggies, or even some garlic bread for a complete meal.

6. Can I double the recipe?
If your slow cooker is large enough (at least 8 quarts), you can definitely double the ingredients to feed a crowd. Just make sure to stir frequently and check the pasta for doneness.

7. How can I make it spicier?
For a little heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper, some red pepper flakes, or even a few dashes of hot sauce when adding the seasonings.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Favorite You’ll Make Again and Again

There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, and Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni delivers on both fronts. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—rich, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors that everyone at the table will love.

I love how this recipe allows for flexibility, too. Whether you want to stick with the classic version or customize it with your favorite burger toppings like bacon, pickles, or mushrooms, there are so many ways to make it your own.

Next time you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, give this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni a try. I promise it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. And if you do give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your tweaks, additions, or serving suggestions in the comments. Happy cooking!

Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni