Forget those boxed meals – we're about to revolutionize your dinner game with the most mouthwatering, cheesy, and irresistible Cheeseburger Macaroni you've ever tasted! Imagine a dish that combines the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with creamy, cheesy pasta – all made from scratch in just 30 minutes. This isn't just another recipe; it's a comfort food experience that will have your family begging for seconds and ditching those store-bought helpers forever!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- After the ground beef is cooked, add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, followed by the beef broth and milk. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, add the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the cheeseburger macaroni hot, garnished with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade Hamburger Helper!
Tips
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack.
- Watch the liquid carefully while cooking to ensure the macaroni doesn't stick or burn.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
- For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish and broil with extra cheese for 2-3 minutes.
- Customize by adding diced onions, garlic, or your favorite burger-style toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 638kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 118mg
