This Beefy Hamburger Mac n Cheese is the kind of hearty, cheesy comfort food the family craves. Packed with ground beef, plenty of veggies, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s finished with a golden layer of melted cheddar. Make this casserole for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a hungry crowd.
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There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of macaroni and cheese—and this beefy version is my go-to when the family’s extra hungry. It takes the classic we all know and love and gives it a hearty twist with ground beef, veggies, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that really hits the spot.
One thing I love about this recipe—it all comes together in just one pan. No need to preboil the macaroni in a separate pot! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor and saving you an extra dish to wash.
If you love casserole dishes as much as I do, make sure to try this Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole for breakfast or this Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole.
- Type of recipe: Comfort food, easy dinner
- Cooking method: One-pot stovetop
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly
- Flavors & textures: Cheesy, hearty, savory, creamy, and filling
Table of contents
The Hamburger N Cheese Basics
- For a healthier version: Use lean ground beef or turkey and swap out the canned soup for homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Add in additional vegetables such as mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Types of Pasta: Substitute the elbow macaroni with other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. You can also use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Recipe Ingredients
- Meat: Start with fresh ground beef. It’s hearty, filling, and brings that rich flavor to every bite. If you prefer, you could sub in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Veggies: Onion, and a colorful trio of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, add flavor and crunch. Dice them finely so they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Liquid: A mix of beef broth and milk is what keeps this dish creamy. The broth adds depth, while the milk ensures the sauce stays smooth and rich. Feel free to substitute chicken broth.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese. Its shape is perfect for catching all that cheesy goodness.
- Tomato Sauce: This gives the dish a slightly tangy, savory edge and balances the creaminess of the cheese.
- Seasonings: Garlic, paprika, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper provide the right amount of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred it fresh if you can! It melts so much better than pre-packaged shreds and makes the dish wonderfully cheesy.
How To Make Beefy Mac N Cheese
Step 1. Brown the ground meat and chopped onion in an extra-deep skillet or Dutch oven.
Step 2. Once browned, add minced garlic.
Step 3. Add salt, pepper, paprika and parsley.
Step 4. Stir to mix, then add beef broth, tomato sauce, milk and the pasta.
Step 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Cover with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes.
Step 7: Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick.
Step 8: Add the cheese once the pasta is cooled and stir it in. Turn off the heat and cover to let the cheese melt.
How To Reheat The Leftovers
This casserole holds up well as leftovers and stays good in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, just add a splash of water and microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot. Want it extra cheesy? Add a touch of fresh cheese just before serving.
What to Pair With Hamburger Mac N Cheese
While this dish is a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a few sides for the ultimate dinner spread:
- Green Salad: A crisp side salad, or a red cabbage slaw, adds a refreshing contrast to all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Garlic Bread: Because everything’s better with bread to scoop up those last cheesy bites!
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can round out the meal with vibrant colors and added nutrients.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring in a bit of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freezer: Perfect for meal prepping! Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Leftovers: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Get creative and use the mac and cheese in other dishes like casseroles or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Here’s More Meaty Dishes To Make
FAQ’s
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Some popular options include Munster, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta if needed, or swap the cheddar with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
To make your mac and cheese even creamier, try using a combination of cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack. Adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the milk can also enhance the creamy texture. Stirring the pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce while it’s still hot ensures every bite is luxuriously coated!
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Recipe
Hamburger Mac N Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ diced onion
- ½ cup diced peppers red, green and or yellow
- 2 cups beef broth can substitute chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 10 oz pasta 2 1/2 cups
- 16 oz tomato sauce 2 cans
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese 4 ounces
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and chopped onion.
- Once browned, add minced garlic.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika and parsley.
- Stir to mix, then add beef broth, tomato sauce, milk and the pasta.
- Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to a simmer.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
- Stir the pot occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn't stick.
- Add the cheese when the pasta is ready and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and cover to let the cheese melt.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Reheating Leftovers
- To reheat, just add a splash of water and microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot. Want it extra cheesy? Toss in a little fresh cheese before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the beef and macaroni occasionally while cooking to prevent the macaroni from sticking.
- Add additional broth or water in the end if the casserole is too thick.
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Nutrition
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Hello there, I’m Jere’
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven® sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
