This Cheeseburger Macaroni is beefy, cheesy, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight meal to leave your family full and satisfied!
Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Try my Cheeseburger Soup or Beef and Noodles next!
About This Recipe
This recipe is inspired by the famous Hamburger Helper version, but instead of using a box, we're doing everything from scratch! My wife said this meal put her into a food coma, so fair warning...it's hard to stop once you start eating it.
I have very fond memories of eating Hamburger Helper growing up. My parents used to work evenings at our pizza restaurant, so I often had to make dinner for myself and my brother. Hamburger Helper was our savior! While beef stroganoff was my favorite flavor, cheeseburger macaroni was a close second.
I worked on this recipe in a few ways. I was going to cook the macaroni directly in the sauce, but I decided that was more error-prone, because everyone's macaroni would cook at different times depending on their cookware and oven. Instead, I cooked the macaroni in a separate pot and added it to the sauce at the end. I also experimented with tomato paste and ketchup, but I found that I preferred the versions without them.
Key Ingredients
Macaroni: You'll need 8 ounces or about half a pound of macaroni. You could use other types of pasta as well.
Ground beef: I use lean ground beef to be healthier. If you use extra-lean ground beef, you will need to add a bit of oil so the beef, onions, and garlic saute properly.
Onions & garlic: For savory depth.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
Chicken broth & cream: These are the bases of the sauce. I use heavy cream and Campbell's "no salt added" chicken broth. If you use broths with salt, you may not need to add any yourself.
Paprika: Adds a mild kick to the sauce.
Cheddar cheese: I recommend a sharp cheddar cheese, as we want that sharp cheese flavor to come through. Gouda or Gruyere would also work cause they're fairly sharp.
Salt and pepper: Add to your own taste.
Instructions
STEP 1: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
STEP 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, onions, and garlic for 6-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
STEP 3: Stir in the flour and mix until distributed evenly.
STEP 4: While stirring constantly, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
STEP 5: Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
STEP 6: Add the macaroni and season with salt and pepper to taste.
๐ Recipe
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, onions, and garlic for 6-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in the flour and mix until distributed evenly.
- While stirring constantly, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Add the macaroni and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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