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Best Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

This Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is a total game changer, and it’s about to become your new go-to comfort meal!

Imagine rich, juicy ground beef, perfectly seasoned, all wrapped up in creamy cheddar cheese and tender pasta.

With just 20 minutes of prep, you get a dish that’s far better than anything you’ll find in a box.

No junk ingredients—just pure, mouthwatering flavor that the whole family will love.

For the Cheeseburger Macaroni

• Ground Beef – The base of this dish, providing savory flavor and richness.
• Avocado Oil – Used for browning the beef and cooking the onions.
• Small Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Tomato Paste – Provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the beef.
• Sweet Paprika – Adds a mild, smoky depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder – Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Garlic Powder – Brings aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
• Sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Chili Powder – Gives the dish a mild kick of heat.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a bit of heat and earthiness.
• All-purpose Flour – Helps thicken the sauce for a creamy texture.
• Whole Milk – Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Beef Broth – Adds flavor depth and richness to the sauce.
• Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni – The pasta that soaks up the delicious sauce (use gluten-free macaroni for a GF version).
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The gooey, melty topping that makes the dish irresistible.

For Gluten-Free Version:

• Gluten-Free Macaroni – Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free elbow pasta.
• Cornstarch – Dissolve in beef broth as a thickening agent instead of flour.

Best Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger macaroni, but want something that tastes WAY better than the box? This homemade version is packed with rich flavors, no junk ingredients, and comes together in just 20 minutes!

Print Pin

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Best Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 se

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ½ tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (For gluten-free, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in the beef broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 ¾ cups quality beef broth
• 2 cups dried whole wheat elbow macaroni (For gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

 

Instructions:

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, seasonings (paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and black pepper), and flour. Mix everything together well.
4. Pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring to combine. Add the macaroni and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through. For al dente, check after 9 minutes.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
7. Serve immediately, and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 398mg | Iron: 3.4mg

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1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can easily swap it for any short pasta like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta you use.

2. Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work just fine. Keep in mind, though, that these options are leaner than beef, so you might need to tweak the seasonings to keep the flavor balanced.

3. How can I make it spicier?

If you love some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also stir in some hot sauce or use spicier chili powder to amp up the heat.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like peas, spinach, or even diced bell peppers. Simply stir them in with the pasta to cook them through—super easy!

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back.

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