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Cheeseburger Macaroni

A one-pot comfort dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound ground beef 85/15 blend
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander or fine-mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Cheese grater
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks; brown until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion to the beef, scraping up any browned bits, and cook for 3 minutes until softened; stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; once boiling, add the dry elbow macaroni directly to the pot.
  5. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook the pasta for 8 to 9 minutes until tender but still firm.
  6. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute until light golden.
  7. Slowly whisk the milk into the roux and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Pour the cheese sauce and beef broth over the cooked pasta, remove from heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar in batches until fully melted.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir gently, and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip the smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce for that authentic cheeseburger flavor.