Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- 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.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook the pasta for 8 to 9 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute until light golden.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
