Craving a meal that combines the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese? Look no further! This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a one-pan wonder that's packed with savory ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese that's so delicious, it'll make your mouth water just thinking about it!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup elbow macaroni, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let it cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, followed by the 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of milk. Stir everything together to ensure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash more of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade cheeseburger macaroni!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works best) to ensure juiciness and rich taste.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef - this prevents your dish from becoming greasy.
- Stir the macaroni occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If you want to add extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika when seasoning the beef.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother, more authentic melted cheese texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef or use low-fat milk and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 409kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 91mg
