hamburger macaroni and cheese recipe

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

I’ve been making this hamburger macaroni and cheese recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy.

I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but still packs a lot of flavor. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ground beef and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.

My kids adore helping me stir in the macaroni and cheese, and it’s become a fun family activity. This recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.

I also appreciate that it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, with whole wheat macaroni adding some fiber and nutrients to the dish. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, adding in some diced veggies for added nutrition.

Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese

Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese

4.9 from 695 votes

This hearty one-pot meal combines seasoned ground beef with tender macaroni in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love, 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 Pasta and Beef

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
3In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
4Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
5Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
6Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
7Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
10Add the paprika, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
11Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce and ground beef mixture.
12Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the dish is hot throughout, about 2 minutes over low heat.
13Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is creamy and hot.
14Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat milk. You can also add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese Works

This hamburger macaroni and cheese recipe has been a staple in our household for years. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part is that it can be served as a main course or side dish at any gathering or family dinner. For storage, simply let the leftovers cool completely before refrigerating or freezing for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions are simple – just microwave until hot or bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until golden brown.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

This recipe calls for elbow macaroni, but you can also use other types like shells or cavatappi if you prefer.

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