Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni takes just under 6 hours (mostly hands-off!) and delivers velvety, cheesy, beefy goodness every single time. It’s my go-to slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights when I need a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal without the kitchen fuss. If you’ve been craving that classic cheeseburger flavor but want it in creamy pasta form, you’re in for a treat.

I’ll admit, I discovered this slow cooker trick when I desperately needed a quick dinner solution that could cook all afternoon. Traditional cheeseburger macaroni on the stove? That means constant stirring and babysitting—not my style. This crockpot version? Dump it and let it simmer. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip this up while juggling everything else on your to-do list.

Why This Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Once you’ve prepped the beef, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Stir occasionally if you can, but otherwise, you’re free.
• All-in-one meal: Protein, carbs, and cheese—the trifecta of comfort food—all cooked in one pot.
• Time-saving: Compared to stovetop versions that require constant attention, this is set-it-and-forget-it perfection.
• Family-friendly: This recipe has all the creamy, cheesy flavors even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
• Minimal cleanup: Fewer dishes means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying dinner.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Let’s talk tools! To make this easy cheeseburger macaroni recipe, here’s what you need for best results.

• Slow Cooker: A 6-8 quart slow cooker works best here. This gives the ingredients plenty of room to cook evenly. Go for one with a timer to avoid overcooking.
• Skillet: You’ll brown the beef and onions in a large skillet before adding them to the crockpot. Non-stick or stainless steel both work great.
• Wooden Spoon: Because you’ll be stirring in those gooey cheeses at the end—trust me, this gets satisfying!

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

This homemade beef macaroni casserole uses pantry staples and a few fridge essentials. Here are the MVPs:

• Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef works too, just drain it well.
• Velveeta Cheese: This is essential for that ultra-creamy texture. Swap with cream cheese if needed, but you’ll miss the cheeseburger vibes.
• Elbow Macaroni: Regular or whole wheat both work—bonus points if you already have some in the pantry!
• Cream of Potato Soup: Adds richness and body to the sauce. If you’re out, cream of mushroom is a solid substitute.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni at a Glance

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Ingredients

• 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

How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

1. In a large skillet, brown 2 pounds of ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. This takes about 10 minutes.
2. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
3. Add 1 small diced onion, 4 cups beef stock, cream of potato soup, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Set your slow cooker to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
5. After the cooking time, add 16 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. When your pasta is tender, stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to melt, then stir again until smooth.
7. Top everything with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again for 5-10 minutes to melt that final cheesy layer.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate creamy cheeseburger pasta!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Give the beef a good sear: Browning it first amps up the flavor, so don’t rush this step!
• Keep an eye on the pasta: Stir every 10 minutes when you add the noodles, so they don’t stick or clump.
• Velveeta first, shredded later: The Velveeta melts into the sauce, while the cheddar creates a gooey topping.
• Double the batch: This freezes beautifully—perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Reheat gently: Add a splash of milk when you reheat to keep the sauce creamy.

Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Variations

• Turkey Mac: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some frozen peas or diced zucchini during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat lovers.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! If Velveeta isn’t your thing, cream cheese or a melty Gouda are great substitutes.

Why isn’t my pasta cooking evenly?

Be sure to stir regularly after adding the pasta—it tends to settle on the bottom of the crockpot.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook and freeze the beef mixture, then thaw and finish the recipe fresh in the slow cooker.

Will whole wheat pasta work?

Yes, but it may take a few extra minutes to fully cook. Keep tasting for doneness.

Ready to give Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni a try? This recipe is proof you don’t need hours to make something spectacular. What’s your favorite comforting slow cooker recipe? Share below—I’d love to hear from you!