hamburger macaroni cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hamburger macaroni cheese recipe

I love a good hamburger macaroni cheese recipe, and my family does too. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to please. The story goes that this dish originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, where it became a staple of American cuisine.

The combination of ground beef, macaroni, and cheese is a match made in heaven, and it’s easy to see why this dish has remained popular for so long. When I’m cooking up a batch of this recipe, I like to start by browning the ground beef in a pan until it’s nice and crispy. Then I add in some onions and garlic to give it a bit of flavor.

Next, I add in the macaroni and cook it until it’s al dente. Finally, I mix everything together with some shredded cheese and bake it in the oven until it’s golden brown. It’s a simple but effective technique that never fails to deliver.

My kids love helping me out with this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the cheese bubbling away in the oven. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about the importance of following a recipe. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Plus, you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding in different types of cheese or spices. When I’m feeling fancy, I like to top my hamburger macaroni cheese with some crispy breadcrumbs or chopped herbs for added texture and flavor.

But honestly, you can’t go wrong with just sticking to the basics – this recipe is all about simplicity and letting the ingredients shine through.

Hamburger Macaroni Cheese

4.6 from 1068 votes

A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Macaroni Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3Add ground beef, cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4Drain excess fat.
5Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika.
6Remove from heat and set aside.
7Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
8Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
9Drain and set aside.
10In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
11Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
12Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns light brown.
13Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
14Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
15Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
16Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
17Add the cooked macaroni and ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce.
18Stir until well combined.
19Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the macaroni is well coated.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture. You can also top the dish with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Hamburger macaroni cheese is a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

It’s also a great option for meal prepping and can be easily customized to suit your family’s tastes. I always enjoy making this dish for family gatherings because it’s easy to double or triple the recipe to feed a large crowd.

It’s a dish that brings everyone together and creates lasting memories. It’s a simple and delicious recipe that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Macaroni Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe – elbow macaroni is classic choice but other shapes like shells or penne work well too.

Q: Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?

A: Yes you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer – just be aware that it may affect the flavor of the dish slightly.

Q: How do I store leftover hamburger macaroni cheese?

A: You can store leftover hamburger macaroni cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – reheat gently until hot throughout.

Q: Can I freeze hamburger macaroni cheese?

A: Yes you can freeze hamburger macaroni cheese – just make sure to cool it down first then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: What if I don’t have any breadcrumbs for topping?

A: You can omit breadcrumbs altogether if you don’t have any on hand – or try using crushed crackers or chopped nuts instead.

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