If you’ve ever wished for a dish that wraps the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger and the comforting warmth of macaroni into one delightful bite, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheeseburger Macaroni. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending tender pasta and seasoned ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce that tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s a wonderful twist on classic comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you make this Cheeseburger Macaroni, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheeseburger Macaroni lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element adds a unique touch, from the hearty pasta providing just the right chew to the blend of cheeses that create a luscious, creamy sauce. The seasonings and Worcestershire sauce deepen the flavor, making every spoonful truly satisfying.

Whole grain elbow macaroni or shells: Use whole grain for extra fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the beef.
90% lean ground beef: Lean enough to avoid excessive grease but still juicy and flavorful.
Hamburger seasoning: Adds that classic burger seasoning taste to the meat.
Granulated garlic: Enhances savory flavor without overpowering.
Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a savory umami boost and a little tang.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
Butter: Creates a smooth base for the cheese sauce and adds richness.
Flour (can use gluten-free): Thickens the sauce beautifully while keeping it creamy.
1% milk: Keeps the sauce light yet creamy enough to coat the pasta just right.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and a bit of savory moisture to the sauce.
Shredded cheddar: The star cheese for that sharp, melty cheeseburger flavor.
Grated Romano cheese: Adds a nutty, tangy note that plays nicely with cheddar.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, a perfect setting to bring this dish together in the final bake. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the whole grain elbow macaroni for about 5 minutes. The goal is to make sure the pasta is just slightly undercooked, still firm to the bite, so it won’t get mushy after baking. Drain the pasta well and transfer it immediately to a 9 x 13 casserole dish, giving it a cozy base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and brown your lean ground beef over medium heat. Break it into small, bite-sized pieces so every mouthful gets a bit of that juicy meat. When the beef is still faintly pink, incorporate your hamburger seasoning, granulated garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix is what transforms plain beef into cheeseburger magic. After everything is evenly combined and cooked through, add the seasoned beef to the casserole dish on top of the pasta.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Use the same pot from your pasta to keep things simple and flavorful. Melt the butter over low heat, then whisk in the flour quickly to form a smooth paste called a roux. Slowly add the chicken stock and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in another round of garlic, onion powder, and black pepper, then cook the sauce over medium heat. It needs about 10 minutes to bubble and thicken nicely, so keep whisking every couple of minutes to avoid sticking. Once it’s thickened, remove the pot from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar and grated Romano cheese. Taste your sauce and adjust salt gradually for that perfect savory balance.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the pasta and beef in the casserole dish. Stir everything together until the pasta and meat are beautifully coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 50 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a lightly golden crust on top. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes — this helps everything set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni

Garnishes

To add a final burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. A few thinly sliced pickles on the side can evoke that cheeseburger feeling even more, while a dash of hot sauce can add a pleasant kick for those who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a more indulgent feast, some crispy oven-baked fries or a warm garlic breadstick will round out the meal exceptionally well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress up your Cheeseburger Macaroni for guests or a special occasion, try serving it in mini ramekins or individual cast iron skillets. Topping each portion with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broiling briefly before serving creates a bubbly, golden crust that’s hard to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it, which helps preserve the creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out cooled Cheeseburger Macaroni into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap at 50-70% power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or shells work best for catching that cheesy sauce, you can experiment with other shapes like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to keep the pasta al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils, you can create a delicious vegetarian version with the same comforting flavor profile.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar and Romano?

Cheddar and Romano bring sharpness and depth, but feel free to use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella for meltiness or gouda for a smoky twist. Just make sure the cheese you use melts well for that creamy texture.

What if I don’t have chicken stock?

You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth or even water with a bit more seasoning. The stock boosts flavor, but the dish remains tasty with these alternatives.

How can I make Cheeseburger Macaroni spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños along with the seasonings. You could also top the dish with spicy pickles or a drizzle of hot sauce after baking to give your taste buds a fun kick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a warm, cheesy hug that’s just waiting to brighten your dinner table. It brings together comfort food favorites with ease and flair, perfect for making memories around the table with loved ones. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, turning simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. Give it a go and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Cheeseburger Macaroni is a comforting casserole combining tender whole grain elbow macaroni, seasoned lean ground beef, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This family-friendly dish delivers the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty, cheesy pasta bake perfect for weeknight dinners.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 5 minutes until al dente, with a slight bite remaining. Drain and transfer the pasta into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish; set aside.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. When the meat is nearly cooked through with a bit of pink left, stir in hamburger seasoning, granulated garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until fully browned and fragrant.
Combine Meat and Pasta: Add the seasoned cooked ground beef into the casserole dish containing the cooked macaroni, mixing gently to combine.
Make Cheese Sauce: Using the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over low heat. Quickly whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock and 1% milk until fully combined.
Season Sauce: Stir in granulated garlic and black pepper. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and thickens—this may take about 10 minutes. Be sure to whisk periodically to prevent sticking or burning.
Add Cheeses: Once the sauce starts bubbling (do not boil), remove from heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar and grated romano cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt in 1/2 teaspoon increments until the desired flavor is reached.
Combine Sauce with Pasta and Meat: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture in the casserole dish, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to meld the flavors and firm the dish.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a slightly golden and bubbly top layer.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving warm and enjoying.

Notes

The recipe uses whole grain pasta which adds fiber and nutrients, but you may substitute regular elbow macaroni or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to suit dietary preferences.
Adjust salt carefully since the cheese and Worcestershire sauce add saltiness.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
Use freshly shredded cheese, not pre-shredded, for better melting and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: American