Hamburger Mac and Cheese
This comforting and cheesy hamburger mac and cheese recipe is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp flour all-purpose
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Lower heat to low and stir in shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat in the cheese sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer to a buttered baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
