Easy Cheeseburger Mac

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this quick and delicious Easy Cheeseburger Mac recipe! Combining the savory flavors of juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a velvety cheese sauce infused with a hint of ketchup and mustard, this one-pan dish delivers all the classic cheeseburger taste you love in a family-friendly pasta form. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The creamy cheese sauce, seasoned with paprika and garlic, ensures every bite is irresistibly rich, while an optional garnish of parsley or green onions adds a fresh finishing touch. Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this homemade spin on a nostalgic classic will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 0 optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.

Step 5

Let the milk mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the ketchup and mustard, stirring until well combined. Add the cooked beef mixture back to the skillet, stirring it into the cheese sauce.

Step 7

Fold in the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1571.9 grams (1571.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3271

Total Fat 191.00g	245%
Saturated Fat 100.30g	501%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 647mg	216%
Sodium 4483mg	195%
Total Carbohydrate 218.00g	79%
Dietary Fiber 10.40g	37%
Total Sugars 41.30g
Protein 181.00g	362%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 2310mg	178%
Iron 17mg	95%
Potassium 2285mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.9%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 26.3%