Nothing beats a comforting bowl of cheeseburger pasta that’s quick, cheesy, and packed with all those nostalgic flavors you love. This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni and perfectly seasoned ground beef all coated in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. It’s like your childhood favorite dinner but elevated to an easy weeknight superstar that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. If you’ve been craving something hearty, simple, and utterly satisfying, you’re about to have a new go-to recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it refreshingly simple with everyday ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating that rich, cheesy, and comforting flavor profile. From the lean ground beef delivering savory depth to sharp cheddar that melts into creamy bliss, every component comes together harmoniously.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein that gives the dish its classic meatiness without being too greasy.
- ½ cup finely diced onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef.
- 2 cups milk: Provides creaminess to the sauce, making it silky smooth.
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth: Enhances flavor and helps cook the pasta perfectly in one pot.
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni: Classic pasta choice that holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency so it clings to every noodle.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note that elevates the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the spices for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and depth.
- 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The cheesy heart of the dish that melts into creamy perfection.
How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the seasoning mix
Start by whisking together the cornstarch, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is the secret to thickening your sauce while layering in those savory, slightly smoky flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef and onions
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the lean ground beef and finely diced onion (or onion powder if that’s what you have). Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing the onions to soften and infuse the meat with sweet flavor. Cook until there’s no pink left and then carefully drain any excess fat to keep things from being greasy.
Step 3: Combine liquids and pasta
Pour in the milk and chicken broth, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Add your seasoning and cornstarch blend, stirring vigorously to dissolve it completely. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth, thick sauce and evenly cooked pasta.
Step 4: Cook the pasta and simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle boil, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 9 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, checking the pasta for doneness. If it seems too thick or dry, splash in a bit more broth or water to keep everything perfectly creamy.
Step 5: Melt in the cheese
Once your elbow macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a silky, cheesy cloak coating every bite. The result is a rich, decadent homemade cheeseburger macaroni that’s pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions right on top to add a burst of fresh color and an herbaceous contrast to the cheesy richness. If you love a bit of tang, a dollop of sour cream or a few pickles on the side adds a delightful zing that wakes up your palate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. The fresh crunch and vibrant colors balance out the creamy, hearty macaroni perfectly for a well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stuffing the cheeseburger macaroni into bell peppers and baking them until the peppers soften and the cheesy pasta filling is bubbly and golden. Alternatively, bake it with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture and a bit of crunch that contrasts delightfully with the creamy inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover homemade cheeseburger macaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well and reheats nicely without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture may shift slightly upon thawing due to the dairy, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the dish gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and keeps the macaroni perfectly coated in cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, gouda for smokiness, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the sauce creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to keep the texture similar. Just adjust seasoning as needed, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version of this comforting favorite.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni for this recipe?
Yes, both whole wheat and gluten-free elbow macaroni work well here. Just monitor cooking times slightly as these pastas may require a bit more or less time to reach the desired tenderness.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?
If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a bit more milk or broth and stir until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken up nicely.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe scales up well. Just use a larger skillet or pot and keep an eye on the cooking time for the pasta, giving it occasional stirs to cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying, no-fuss meal that everyone will adore. It’s quick to make, wonderfully cheesy, and nostalgic with every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to dinners for busy nights or anytime you crave something truly comforting. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re just minutes away from dinner magic!
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Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is a comforting one-skillet casserole combining tender elbow macaroni and seasoned ground beef in a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
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
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and add flavor.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and finely diced onion (or onion powder if preferred). Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the milk and chicken broth to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Then, add the prepared cornstarch and spice mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 9-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking and ensure even cooking. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is tender, add additional broth or water as needed.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce coating the pasta and beef.
- Serve Hot: Serve the casserole immediately for the best creamy texture and warm cheesy flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the skillet.
- If the cheese sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
