Cheeseburger Mac ‘n Cheese (50 Minutes)

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Cheeseburger mac and cheese is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.

Ground beef is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then mixed with tender pasta and a rich cheese sauce that melts into every bite.

Topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and baked until bubbly, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the mac and cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For topping:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the ground beef (8-10 minutes):
    • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
    • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove the skillet from heat.
  3. Make the cheese sauce (10 minutes):
    • In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Reduce the heat to low and add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Combine the pasta, beef, and cheese sauce (5 minutes):
    • Add the cooked pasta and the seasoned ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Bake the mac and cheese (15 minutes):
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top for added crunch.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the cheeseburger mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of chopped pickles or a drizzle of ketchup or mustard over the top before baking.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cheeseburger mac and cheese is a fun, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious, comforting dish!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Pair this with...

Fried Pickles

Start by grabbing a jar of your favorite pickles and slice them into coin shapes. Get 'em on some paper towels to blot out the excess moisture – the drier, the crispier they'll get. In one bowl, whisk up some eggs, and in another, mix together flour or breadcrumbs with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling spicy. Dip each pickle coin into the egg, then into the dry mix, making sure it's well coated. Heat some oil in a skillet until it's shimmering but not smoking. Carefully slide those coated pickles in and fry until they're golden and crispy. It's usually quick, so keep an eye out! Scoop them out, let them rest on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil, and serve with a dipping sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Home Fries

Grab a couple of good ol' russet potatoes, and cut them into bite-sized cubes. A quick tip: to ensure even cooking, try to keep those cubes roughly the same size. In a large skillet, heat a mix of butter and oil (they’re a match made in heaven for flavor and crispiness). Toss in your potato cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden. For an extra layer of yum, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for a kick. Cook until the potatoes are crispy outside but soft inside.

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