hamburger meat and mac and cheese recipe

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

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite hamburger meat and mac and cheese recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too.

The combination of tender hamburger meat, creamy mac and cheese, and a hint of spices is absolute perfection. My kids love it when I serve this for dinner, and my husband requests it all the time.

I love how easy it is to make, yet it’s impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein and veggies into our diet without feeling like we’re sacrificing flavor or texture.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – we can serve it as a main course, add some steamed veggies on the side, or even use it as a base for a fun lunch or dinner casserole. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions alike.

My family and I are big fans of comfort food, and this dish never fails to hit the spot. Whether we’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or want to mix things up with new flavors, this recipe has got us covered.

Hamburger Meat and Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1214 votes

A hearty and comforting dish combining ground beef with creamy mac and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Hamburger Meat

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
7Gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
8Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
9Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
10Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
11Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.
12Cover and set aside.
13In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
14Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
15Drain excess fat.
16Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
17Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil.
18Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
19Add the cooked hamburger meat to the mac and cheese, stirring to combine.
20Cook over medium heat until the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
21Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Colander
Whisk
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the hamburger meat. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet for extra nutrition.

This hamburger meat and mac and cheese recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

My family loves when I serve it for dinner because they know they’ll get a satisfying meal that’s both filling and delicious.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy this dish is by making individual portions in muffin tins – just fill each cup about 2/3 full of pasta mixture before topping with extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for an easy casserole-style snack or meal prep option.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Meat and Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I prefer to use lean ground beef with at least 80/20 fat content. This helps keep the dish moist without overpowering the flavors.

Q: Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another variety?

While cheddar is my go-to choice for mac and cheese, you can definitely experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: How do you prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

To avoid overcooking the pasta, be sure to cook it al dente according to package instructions. Then, carefully fold it into the hamburger meat mixture so as not to damage the noodles.

Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish up until the final baking step and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Just be sure to thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q: Are there any tips for reheating leftover mac and cheese?

To reheat leftover macaroni without drying out the pasta or cheese sauce, try using a gentle heat setting on your oven (around 275°F) or microwaving short intervals until heated through.

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