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.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb whole grain elbow macaroni or shells
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon hamburger seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/4 cup flour (can use gluten-free)
- 3 cups 1% milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- Salt as needed, to taste
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, baked macaroni recipe, cheesy pasta with ground beef, comfort food casserole, easy family dinner
