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Easy Loaded Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe with Homemade Twist Perfect for Dinner

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A quick and comforting macaroni and cheese dish loaded with ground beef and a homemade cheese sauce that mimics classic cheeseburger flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced pickles
  • Optional: cooked bacon bits
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Break beef apart and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and onions are soft. Add minced garlic in the last minute. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking while sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Stir in mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta and browned beef mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine until macaroni is fully coated and heated through.
  8. Fold in diced pickles or sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as it finishes cooking in the sauce. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasy sauce. Add optional toppings like pickles or bacon for extra flavor. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, macaroni and cheese, homemade cheese sauce

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