Indulgent Hamburger Mac and Cheese
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this indulgent Hamburger Mac and Cheese, where gooey cheddar cheese meets hearty ground beef and tender elbow macaroni. This creamy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, bringing smiles to the dinner table with every delicious bite. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or veggies, it promises to be a hit with family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- 3. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux until golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- 4. Add cheese: Lower heat and mix in shredded cheddar until melted. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 5. Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce along with sautéed beef until evenly coated.
- 6. Bake (optional): Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg