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Bowl of creamy cheeseburger mac and cheese with ground beef and toppings

Cheeseburger Mac

Cheeseburger Mac combines the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the comforting nature of pasta, creating a creamy and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef The star of the dish, providing a rich and juicy flavor.
  • 1 cup water The base for your creamy sauce.
  • 2 cups milk Adds creaminess that enhances the overall taste.
  • 1.5 cups small pasta Tender pasta that soaks up flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Ensures that your sauce thickens perfectly.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika Adds a smoky depth to the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder Infuses a subtle sweetness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Introduces savory notes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Just a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The gooey topping that ties everything together.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
  2. Add the water, milk, pasta, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar to the skillet. Stir together until well combined.
  3. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover again and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let it stand for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Notes

You can experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors. Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper flavors. Consider adding frozen peas or diced tomatoes for added nutrition and color.