Hamburger Mac and Cheese
Hamburger Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, marrying creamy, gooey cheese with juicy ground beef and tender elbow macaroni. This hearty dish creates a delightful explosion of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for game nights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it hot, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch that elevates your mealtime experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 7-10 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Lower the heat and add butter until melted; whisk in milk gradually. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta and browned beef into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top in a baking dish. For added flavor, drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg