Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Name: Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tsp green Cholula® hot sauce; ¼ cup tomato paste; 3 Tbsp all purpose flour; 2 ½ cups whole milk; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 cups dry macaroni noodles; ½ cup sour cream, plus more as desired

Eliana

Everyday Culinary Delights

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This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that combines two American classics: cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese. Far superior to any boxed version, this hearty one-pan meal features savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a nostalgic dish reimagined with real ingredients for maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup
Made with real ingredients—no artificial flavors or powdered cheese
Customizable heat level to suit your family’s preferences
Comfort food that both kids and adults will devour

Ingredients

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor, or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth; white onions work well too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor that dried simply can’t match.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning creates a complex flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings balance and enhance all other flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
Green Cholula Hot Sauce: Provides tangy heat; substitute with your favorite hot sauce.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and umami.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener for the creamy sauce.
Whole Milk: Creates richness in the sauce; 2% milk can be substituted.
Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor.
Macaroni Noodles: Classic elbow macaroni works best, but any short pasta shape will do.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess to finish the dish.

Variations

Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Mac

Transform this dish with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, diced bell peppers, and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a south-of-the-border twist.

Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

Cook 6-8 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble, and add half to the dish when adding the cheese. Use the remaining bacon as a crunchy topping along with some sliced green onions.

Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Mac

Add finely diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini when cooking the onions for a nutrient boost. The vegetables will cook down and blend with the sauce, making this a great way to sneak in extra nutrition for picky eaters.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a large cast iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat and return the mixture to the pan.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Create the Base

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over the meat. Add the green Cholula hot sauce, tomato paste, and flour. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour and create a roux-like mixture that will thicken your sauce.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dry macaroni noodles and stir to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a boil, watching carefully as milk can boil over quickly.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and a smoother sauce.
Don’t skip draining the beef—excess fat can make the final dish greasy.
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking to the bottom.
Adjust the consistency with additional beef broth if the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked.
For extra flavor, toast the dry pasta in a tablespoon of butter before adding the liquids.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking; it will thicken as it cools slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni hot in bowls with a dollop of additional sour cream on top. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an authentic diner experience, serve with dill pickle spears on the side.

For a fun presentation, top individual portions with traditional burger toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced pickles. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or sliced green onions adds a finishing touch that makes this comfort food look as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead

This Cheeseburger Macaroni reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. To make ahead, prepare the recipe through completion but slightly undercook the pasta. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or beef broth to revive the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, with a tablespoon of liquid added.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short pasta shape works well in this recipe. Try rotini, shells, or penne—just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the shape and thickness of the pasta.

How can I make this recipe lower in fat?

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use 2% or skim milk instead of whole, reduce the cheese by 1/3, and use light sour cream. These changes will reduce the fat content while still maintaining good flavor.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and aromatics using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cheese and sour cream. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a quick release. Stir in the cheese and sour cream after pressure cooking.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or 2 cups of cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni elevates a childhood favorite to a whole new level of deliciousness. With its creamy cheese sauce, savory seasoned beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The best part? It’s made with real, wholesome ingredients in just one pan, making it as practical as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try tonight—your family will thank you, and leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!