hamburger mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hamburger mac and cheese recipe

I love this hamburger mac and cheese recipe because it’s a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy my family’s cravings. It’s a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years. The dish originated in the United States, where it was popularized by diners and restaurants in the mid-20th century. It’s believed to have been inspired by German and Austrian immigrants who brought their own macaroni and cheese recipes with them.

Over time, the dish evolved to include ground beef, which became a standard component of the recipe. When cooked to perfection, the hamburger mac and cheese has a creamy texture from the cheese sauce and a satisfying crunch from the ground beef. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. My kids love it when I serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, which adds some much-needed nutrients to the dish.

As for me, I appreciate how easy it is to make this recipe – just brown the ground beef, cook the pasta, and mix everything together with some shredded cheese. It’s a breeze to prepare and always turns out deliciously. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add different seasonings or spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.

Some people like to add diced onions or bell peppers for added texture and sweetness. My family also loves when I top it with some crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. The possibilities are endless! Despite its comforting nature, this recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods.

By using lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta, you can reduce the calorie count significantly. Plus, you can always swap out some of the cheese for lower-fat alternatives like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar. As long as you’re mindful of your ingredients and portion sizes, you can enjoy this recipe guilt-free.

Hamburger Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 750 votes

A hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef with tender macaroni in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is a family-friendly twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Hamburger Mac and Cheese

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
2Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Drain excess fat if needed.
4Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef.
5Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
6Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
7Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
8Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
9Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
10Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
11Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
12Let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Watch Video Of How Hamburger Mac and Cheese Works

This hamburger mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event like holidays or family gatherings.

I’ve found that reheating leftovers in the oven with some additional shredded cheese on top makes them just as tasty as freshly baked portions.

When storing leftover hamburger mac and cheese in the fridge, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil so that air doesn’t get in.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Mac and Cheese

1

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
A: Any short-cut pasta will work well for this recipe, such as macaroni, shells, or elbow macaroni.

2

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey will provide a similar flavor profile without the excess fat content of traditional ground beef.

3

Q: Do I need to use cheddar cheese specifically?
A: While cheddar is a classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of cheese like American, Swiss, or mozzarella.

4

Q: How do I ensure my hamburger mac and cheese doesn’t become too dry?
A: To avoid dryness, make sure to not overcook the pasta or mix in too much shredded cheese at once.

5

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the pasta and brown the ground beef in advance – simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dish.

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