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Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 7
Calories: 580kcal
Cost: $17

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

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13.5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 3mg