Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Introduction

Cheeseburger macaroni is a comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup finely diced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Set this spice mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the milk, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Add the cornstarch and spice mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add extra broth or water if needed during cooking to maintain a creamy consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when browning the beef for extra veggies.
• Swap sharp cheddar for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover cheeseburger macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

This homemade cheeseburger macaroni is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s quick to prepare and full of classic flavors that everyone will love.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup finely diced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. This blend will thicken the sauce and add flavor.
2. Cook the beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, then drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the milk, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni to the browned beef. Blend the cornstarch and spice mixture with a little broth or milk, then add it to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Simmer until pasta is cooked: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check the pasta’s texture and add more broth or water if necessary to keep the sauce smooth and prevent dryness.
5. Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts thoroughly, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and achieve a cleaner flavor.
• If you don’t have fresh onion, onion powder works well as a substitute.
• Stir often during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more salt or paprika if desired.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food