Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
766 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Description
This recipe starts by browning lean ground beef with onions and seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. After draining excess fat, milk, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni are added to the skillet. The mixture is brought to a boil, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the liquid, absorbing flavors from the seasonings and meat.
A cornstarch slurry mixed with the spices is stirred in to help thicken the sauce as it simmers gently. Covered cooking helps the pasta cook evenly within 9 to 12 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or uneven cooking. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, the skillet is removed from heat and shredded sharp cheddar cheese is folded in until melted, resulting in a rich, creamy cheeseburger-flavored macaroni dish.
This one-pan meal functions as a satisfying comfort food, combining the familiar flavors of cheeseburgers with pasta. It can be served as a main course for families seeking a hearty, cheesy dish that combines protein, starch, and dairy in a convenient recipe.
Adjusting liquid amounts may be necessary for different pasta brands or pan sizes. Using sharp cheddar improves flavor impact. Adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes can introduce a touch of heat if desired. Cheese should be added off the heat to prevent separation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- ½ cup onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder, finely diced
- 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 cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and onion, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Add milk, broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni to the beef. Stir the cornstarch and spice mixture. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle boil, cover and cook for 9-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more broth or water.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add extra broth or water as needed to ensure pasta cooks through and sauce achieves desired consistency.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for better flavor; mild cheddar may be too bland.
- Remove skillet from heat before stirring in cheese to prevent separating.
- For added spice, include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 766 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 766 | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 1305mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 724mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 976IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 541mg | 54% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
