Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese – Easy and Creamy Recipe
This Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is a creamy and hearty comfort food that combines juicy seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. Easy to prepare in one pot or skillet, it’s perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings. The dish is flavored with classic cheeseburger seasonings like ketchup, mustard, and paprika, then topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Mac & Cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Diced pickles or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same large pot used for macaroni, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly, and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and smoothens.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all cheese has melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked macaroni and seasoned ground beef into the cheese sauce. Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Finish with Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the pot and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden melted finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional diced pickles or green onions. Serve hot for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce rather than pre-shredded cheese which may contain anti-caking agents.
- Drain excess beef fat after browning to avoid greasy mac and cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, reduce milk slightly or add a bit more flour when making the roux.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top before melting for a crispy, golden crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat gently adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Optional add-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes can customize the dish to your taste.
Keywords: cheeseburger mac and cheese, easy comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, ground beef pasta, family dinner recipe, cheesy pasta, quick weeknight meal
