Hamburger Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Hamburger Mac N Cheese is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the best of two favorites: macaroni and cheese with savory ground beef. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a family dinner that everyone will love. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced peppers (red, green, and/or yellow)
• 2 cups beef broth (can substitute chicken broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 10 oz pasta (about 2 ½ cups)
• 16 oz tomato sauce (2 cans)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large pot over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley flakes to season the mixture.
4. Step 4: Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, whole milk, diced peppers, and pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add the cheddar cheese to the pot.
8. Step 8: Turn off the heat, cover, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use sharp cheddar or add a splash of cream cheese along with the cheddar.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Mix in some frozen peas or corn for added veggies and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle in a little fresh cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your tomato sauce and broth are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Hamburger Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This comforting Hamburger Mac N Cheese recipe combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce for a hearty, all-in-one dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, featuring a blend of spices and melted mild cheddar cheese that creates a creamy, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ diced onion
• ½ cup diced peppers (red, green, and/or yellow)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Liquids and Broth

• 2 cups beef broth (can substitute chicken broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 16 oz tomato sauce (2 cans)

Dry Ingredients and Spices

• 10 oz pasta (about 2 ½ cups)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Cheese

• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Instructions

1. Brown the meat and onion: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Season the mixture: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley flakes to the beef mixture, stirring well to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and whole milk. Stir to combine, then add the pasta to the pot.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Cook covered: Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Stir occasionally: Stir the pot every few minutes during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
8. Add cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
9. Melt the cheese: Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to meld.
10. Store leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to five days.
11. Reheat leftovers: When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot. For extra cheesiness, add fresh cheese before serving.

Notes

• Using whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
• Be sure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta sticking or burning.
• Feel free to customize with different types of cheese such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for varied flavors.
• The dish can be doubled easily for larger families or meal prep.
• Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Keywords: hamburger mac and cheese, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, quick family dinner, stovetop mac and cheese