Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hamburger Mac and Cheese! This creamy dish combines tender elbow macaroni, juicy ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty meal that will delight your taste buds. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or lively potlucks. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
Mix the cooked pasta and browned beef into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
For a crispy topping, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor. Add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Make it ahead of time; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.