Few dishes combine the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese quite like this cheeseburger macaroni recipe. This family-friendly meal brings together the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef and the rich, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
This cheeseburger macaroni and cheese recipe transforms two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. It's easier and more budget-friendly than traditional hamburger helper, plus you can control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your family's preferences. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce creates a meal that's both nostalgic and absolutely delicious.
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Ingredients
the Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup American cheese, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped pickles
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside
Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef
- Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper
- Transfer to a plate and set aside
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes
- Add both cheeses and stir until completely melted
- Season with garlic powder and cayenne pepper if using
Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce
- Stir in the seasoned ground beef mixture
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for the smoothest sauce
- Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce for better melting
- For extra flavor, try using a mixture of different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby
Dietary Modifications
- Make it lighter by using lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour in the cheese sauce
- Add more vegetables by mixing in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
Equipment For Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cheese grater
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cheeseburger macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir frequently to restore the creamy consistency. While freezing is possible, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Top Tip
For the ultimate creamy texture, remove your milk and cheeses from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature dairy products will create a smoother, more consistent sauce without any graininess.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk while reheating to maintain creaminess.
A combination of sharp cheddar and American cheese provides the perfect balance of flavor and melting properties. The cheddar adds depth while American cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning as turkey can be less flavorful than beef.
Add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level to your preference.
This hearty cheeseburger macaroni combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving something satisfying, this 30-minute meal delivers big on flavor while keeping things simple. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to dinner option!
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Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cheese grater
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
the Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup American cheese chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside
Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef
- Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper
- Transfer to a plate and set aside
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes
- Add both cheeses and stir until completely melted
- Season with garlic powder and cayenne pepper if using
Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce
- Stir in the seasoned ground beef mixture
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best results
- Can substitute ground turkey for beef
- Add milk when reheating to restore creamy texture
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