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Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/homemade-cheeseburger-macaroni-recipe/