Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Introduction

This homemade cheeseburger macaroni is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. It combines savory ground beef with tender elbow macaroni in a creamy cheese sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.

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. 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 beef with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the milk, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Add the spice and cornstarch mixture and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and cook for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water as needed.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your taste preference.
• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• If you prefer, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when browning the beef for added veggies.

Storage

Store leftover cheeseburger macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while elbow macaroni works best, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the pasta you choose.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the recipe?

The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to create a creamy sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but use slightly more (about 2 tablespoons) and mix it well to avoid lumps.

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

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This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is browned with onions, then simmered with elbow macaroni in a creamy, cheesy sauce seasoned with a blend of spices. It’s an easy, satisfying twist on classic cheeseburger flavors combined with pasta.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup finely diced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)

Liquids and Pasta

• 2 cups milk
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni

Seasonings and Thickener

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

• 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Mix seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside. This mixture will add flavor and help thicken the sauce.
2. Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish less greasy.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the milk, chicken broth, and add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the beef. Stir the reserved cornstarch and spice mixture into the liquid and pasta, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer until pasta is cooked: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover the skillet, and cook for 9-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add additional broth or water if needed to keep the pasta submerged and tender.
5. Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce. Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube works as well.
• Adjust the cheese type to your preference—for a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure the broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cheeseburger Macaroni, One-Pot Meal, Ground Beef Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner