Irresistible Hamburger Mac and Cheese Recipe to Savor

The moment you hear the sizzle of ground beef meeting a hot skillet, you know something magical is about to happen. Now, imagine that blissful sound mingling with the creamy richness of melted cheese and the comforting embrace of macaroni. Yes, you guessed it; we are diving face-first into the world of hamburger mac and cheese. This dish promises a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing louder than your favorite karaoke tune on a Saturday night.

But wait, this isn’t just any ordinary recipe. It holds a special place in my heart and my stomach. Picture this: last summer’s family barbecue where I decided to whip up this cheesy delight for the first time. The kids went wild; I mean, who wouldn’t want gooey cheese and savory beef on their plate? Even Uncle Joe, who usually turns his nose up at anything not grilled, went back for seconds—and that’s saying something! So grab your apron and prepare for a culinary adventure that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or those cozy movie nights in.

I still remember the look on my friends’ faces when they first tasted this delightful dish at our game night. Everyone was instantly hooked, proving that good food can bring people together like nothing else.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Macaroni Pasta: Choose elbow macaroni for that classic shape; it hugs the cheese just right.

• Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar gives a rich flavor; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra creaminess.

• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you could substitute with low-fat milk if desired.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your sauce into a dreamy consistency.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for enhancing flavors.

• Toppings (optional): Breadcrumbs or extra cheese can add a delightful crunch on top before baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in the elbow macaroni until al dente—about 7-8 minutes works perfectly here.

Sauté the Beef: In another skillet over medium heat, brown about one pound of ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat while enjoying that enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Create the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in the same pan and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in milk while stirring until thickened—this should take around 5-7 minutes.

Add Cheese Galore!: Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar until completely melted. Stirring constantly ensures you achieve that ooey-gooey consistency everyone craves.

Combine Everything!: Fold cooked pasta into your cheesy mixture along with sautéed beef. Mix well so every noodle is covered with cheesy goodness!

Bake to Perfection!: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling—a sight worth drooling over!

Now you’ve got yourself an unforgettable hamburger mac and cheese ready to impress! Each bite offers creamy textures paired perfectly with hearty beef flavor—a winning combo sure to become a household favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, seasoning it well. While it cooks, boil the pasta until al dente, then combine everything with cheese sauce for perfect harmony.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach for a healthier twist. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate the flavor profile!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

It was during a family gathering when I first served this dish. Watching my kids devour it and hearing their laughter filled my heart with joy—definitely a recipe that brings people together!

FAQ

Can I make hamburger mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

What can I substitute for macaroni?

Pasta shapes like shells or penne work well if macaroni isn’t available.

How can I spice up hamburger mac and cheese?

Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds!

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Hamburger Mac and Cheese

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Hamburger mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that unites creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and tender elbow macaroni in one delicious dish. This one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or game nights. With its rich flavors and gooey textures, it’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner table!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded aged cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil salted water and add elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk, cooking until thickened (5-7 minutes).
4. Remove from heat, mix in shredded cheddar until fully melted.
5. Fold cooked macaroni and sautéed beef into the cheese sauce until well combined.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg