Hamburger Mac and Cheese Recipe: How To Make The Best Hamburger
Discover hamburger mac and cheese recipe the ultimate comfort creamy and cheesy food! Perfect for quick dinners or gatherings.
Equipment
- Extra-Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For cooking the pasta, beef, and combining all ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls To set aside cooked pasta or mix other ingredients.
- Cheese Grater For shredding cheddar cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring ingredients smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board To dice tomatoes and chop onions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 16 oz large elbow noodles
- 5 cups beef broth
For the Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large skillet, cook the elbow noodles in beef broth over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are tender. If you prefer al dente pasta, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes. Once done, transfer the noodles to a large bowl and set aside, leaving them in the broth to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Beef: In the same skillet, combine the ground beef and chopped onion. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. The onions should become tender but not browned. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Create the Sauce: Turn the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Mix in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked noodles and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the cheese sauce and the tomatoes are evenly mixed in.
- Serve: Serve the hamburger mac and cheese warm, straight from the skillet. Enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze fully cooked mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Baking Option: Assemble the dish in a 9x9 baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Additional Veggies: Add peas, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat.