ULTIMATE CHEESEBURGER MACARONI RECIPE

Craving that comforting cheeseburger flavor but also want the ease of macaroni and cheese? Cheeseburger Macaroni answers the call, combining the best of both worlds into one glorious, cheesy, beefy bowl. Get ready for a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and will have everyone asking for seconds – I promise you’ll nail it!

What You’ll Need: The Cheeseburger Macaroni Ingredients List

For the Macaroni:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Beefy Base:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesiest Goodness:

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter

Optional Toppings (because why not?):

• Pickles, chopped
• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomato, diced
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Bacon bits

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Cheeseburger Macaroni Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
3. Drain the macaroni and set aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starch to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
2. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy Cheeseburger Macaroni!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

1. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Make it Cheesy!

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the butter and milk to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the milk is warmed through.
3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Low and slow is the key here to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce and beef mixture.
2. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the macaroni is coated in the cheesy goodness.
3. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite cheeseburger toppings. Pickles are a must for me!

Pro Tips for the BEST Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Don’t overcook the macaroni: Al dente is key! Nobody wants mushy mac.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to your liking. Everyone has different preferences!
• Get creative with the cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick.
• Add some veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to your Cheeseburger Macaroni.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the macaroni and combine everything.
• Freezer friendly: Cheeseburger Macaroni freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s perfect for meal prepping.

Variations to Make it Your Own!

• Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the beef mixture and as a topping. Everything is better with bacon, right?
• Pizza Cheeseburger Macaroni: Add pepperoni, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Macaroni: Use pepper jack cheese and add some diced jalapeños.
• Healthier Cheeseburger Macaroni: Use lean ground beef, whole wheat macaroni, and low-fat cheese. You can also add some veggies like chopped spinach or broccoli.

Troubleshooting Common Cheeseburger Macaroni Issues

• Cheese sauce is grainy: This usually happens when the cheese is overheated. Make sure to use low heat and stir constantly. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the sauce to help stabilize it.
• Macaroni is sticking together: Make sure to use enough water when cooking the macaroni and don’t rinse it after draining. The starch on the macaroni will help the sauce cling and prevent it from sticking.
• Sauce is too thick: Add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Great with Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Cheeseburger Macaroni is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness to the meal.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are all good options.
• Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
• Coleslaw: The creamy coleslaw complements the richness of the mac.

Other Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a fan of cheesy, beefy goodness, you might also enjoy these recipes: Why not try this Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for a quick and easy lunch? Or, for a twist on classic mac and cheese, give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese a try. If you’re in the mood for pasta, this Beef Pasta is a family favorite. On a chilly day, warm up with a bowl of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup or Cheeseburger Soup Recipe . And if you’re looking for a simple classic, you could check out this Homemade Hamburger Helper.

Get Ready to Dig In!

Cheeseburger Macaroni is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and now you have all the tips and tricks to make it perfectly every time! From the simple ingredients to the easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is designed to be a stress-free dinner solution. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a comforting and delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!