What is your review of Hamburger Mac and Cheese? What’s the best way to satisfy a craving for a juicy burger and a creamy mac? What is the love child of a classic American cheeseburger and everyone’s favorite childhood comfort food? I think it might just be my family’s favorite meal… well, besides maybe my grandma’s lasagna (that’s a tough one to beat!).
What is a Hamburger Mac and Cheese?
What is a hamburger mac and cheese? Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger, but in the form of a comforting pasta dish. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food, and trust me, it’s a crowd pleaser. Is this a one pot wonder? No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required – just pure, delicious flavor!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best hamburger mac and cheese recipes? The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the savory, seasoned beef is a match made in heaven. I always add garlic powder to my ground beef, and that makes all the difference. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. What’s a good recipe for a weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes to cook? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Ground beef and pasta are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor? What are some of the best ways to add cheese to a sandwich? If you like Chili Mac, or even just standard mac and cheese, this is the perfect dish for you. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with it. I’ve even been known to throw in some diced tomatoes or green chiles for a little extra zing! It’s just one of those recipes that you can really make your own.
How do I make Hamburger Mac and Cheese?
Quick Overview
How do I make Hamburger Mac and Cheese? What are some good ways to make a one-pot wonder that can be made in 30 minutes? No fancy techniques or complicated steps – just simple, delicious comfort food that the whole family will love. The secret to the best version? Don’t skimp on the cheese!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
- What is a 1 pound elbow macaroni?
- How many tablespoons butter should I use?
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
- 3 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works fine too)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a nice kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions. Chopped green onions.
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled bacon
- Breadcrumbs
What are the step-by-
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for the flavor! Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for a more even texture. I usually let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until it’s fully browned.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the browned beef. Stir well to combine. These seasonings really bring out the flavor, so don’t skimp on them! I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni to the pot with the Ground Beef. Add enough water to cover the pasta by about an inch. What is the best way to cook pasta? Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. I always set a timer to make sure I don’t forget about it.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes. The consistency should be similar to a thin gravy.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
How do you stir shredded cheddar cheese into a sauce? Don’t let the sauce boil, or the cheese will become stringy!
Step 6: Combine Everything
What is the magic of cheese sauce? The aroma at this point is just irresistible.
Step 7: Serve
What are some of the best toppings for hamburger mac and cheese? I also like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for good measure.
8: Optional: Add breadcrumbs. Add salt and pepper to taste
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for that nice crispy texture before serving. This adds a little extra flavor to it as well!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Hamburger Mac and Cheese?
For a Simple Side:What are some good side dishes to serve with mac and cheese?
For a Hearty Meal:What are some good side dishes to serve with corn on the cob?
For a little extra flavor: For a little extra flavor:Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese for a little kick. A side of pickles or pickled onions would also be a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Growing up, my mom always served this with a side of garlic bread, which I highly recommend! Honestly, though, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the pot with a spoon. No judgment, please!
How do I make a perfect Hamburger Mac and Cheese?
How do I take my hamburger to the next level?
Beef Choice:If you use a higher fat percentage of Ground Beef, like 80/20, will result in a more flavorful dish. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
Cheese Selection:What are some of the best cheeses to try? Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even pepper jack? I’ve tried using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a super cheesy pull.
Spice it Up:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat. You can also add diced jalapeos to the Ground Beef for an extra kick.
Veggie Boost:How do I sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef as it’s browning?
Breadcrumb Topping:For a crispy topping, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the mac and cheese before baking it in the oven for a few minutes. I like to use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Don’t overcook pasta!Make sure to cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy dish.
I learned the hard way that overcooking pasta is a big no-no. It’s happened to me more than once, and it’s definitely not pretty! What’s the beauty of cooking?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), here’s how to store and reheat your **Hamburger Mac and Cheese**:
Refrigerating:What is the best way to store mac and cheese in an airtight container?
Freezing:For longer storage, you can freeze mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:To reheat, add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to help loosen it up. Microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Can you reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through?
I’ve found that adding a little extra cheese helps to restore the creamy texture. Also, be careful not to overheat it, or the cheese sauce may separate.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is your family’s favorite Hamburger recipe? I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself. If you are a fan of comfort food, this is a must-try. What are some of my other mac and cheese recipes? Don’t forget to leave a comment below, and share your own variations. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Hamburger Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, and milk to the skillet with the beef. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
