Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting? Let’s talk about a true classic that brings families together at the dinner table — the Cheeseburger Macaroni! 🍔🧀 This hearty dish combines the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing, your stomach growl in anticipation, and your heart feel just a little fuller.
This recipe has humble beginnings in midwestern American kitchens, where home cooks looked for simple, satisfying meals to please both kids and adults alike. With browned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta, this dish hits all the right notes — savory, cheesy, and just a bit nostalgic. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. ❤️
So grab your skillet, a wooden spoon, and that block of cheddar you’ve been saving — let’s make some magic together.
Ingredients
For the main dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Chopped pickles 🥒
- Crumbled cooked bacon 🥓
- A sprinkle of extra cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain off excess fat but keep just a bit for flavor. - Add Onion and Garlic:
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma should start to fill your kitchen! 😋 - Build the Base:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, coating the meat. This helps thicken the sauce later. Cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste. - Add Liquids:
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the milk, ketchup, and mustard. Mix everything until smooth and slightly thickened. - Cook the Pasta:
Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until it melts into a luscious sauce. The result should be creamy, rich, and beautifully cheesy. 🧀✨ - Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. If you like, toss in crumbled bacon or top with extra cheese for a meltier finish. - Garnish and Enjoy:
Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with chopped pickles or parsley, and serve warm. Every bite delivers that burger-meets-mac-and-cheese perfection!
Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 kcal
🍽️ Servings: 4
Per Serving (approximate):
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
#cheeseburgermacaroni #comfortfood #familydinner #easyrecipes #homemadegoodness #classicflavors
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
