Description
This Hamburger Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender macaroni noodles with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a comforting and hearty meal. Enhanced with diced onions, a flavorful cheddar soup base, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, it’s an easy one-pan dish perfect for family dinners in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz macaroni noodles
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
Dairy and Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni noodles: Prepare the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook the ground beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet.
- Crumble and brown the beef: Stir frequently, crumbling the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Drain excess grease and reduce heat: Once cooked, carefully drain the grease from the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low in preparation for the sauce.
- Add cream and cheddar soup: Pour in the heavy cream and condensed cheddar soup, stirring well to combine with the beef and onions for a creamy base.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet and stir well until all noodles are coated with the cheesy beef sauce.
- Melt the cheese blend: Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Stir continuously just until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
- Add fresh chives: Fold in the chopped chives for a mild onion flavor and fresh color.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the hamburger mac and cheese into bowls or plates and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less thick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
