Skillet Hamburger Mac and Cheese

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Hamburger Mac and Cheese is the Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole, a hearty casserole that brings families together.

This easy hamburger casserole recipe perfect for weeknights combines the delicious flavors of seasoned ground beef with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni pasta.

It’s not just a family dinner essential; it’s a kid-friendly masterpiece that will make any parent a hero at the dinner table!

This go-to dinner recipe checks all the boxes: it’s a kid-friendly, budget meal with the mouthwatering fusion of beefaroni style and skillet cheeseburger macaroni and cheese recipes.

Perfect for families with kids who love pasta, this 30-minute meal is an easy weeknight dinner idea that’s sure to become one of your go-to dinner recipes.

Let’s dive into what makes this cheesy macaroni casserole a must-try.

Why This Hamburger Mac and Cheese is a Must-Try

• Hearty Casserole: Filling and satisfying, it can easily be a standalone dish or a part of a bigger feast.
• Family Dinner: This is a family dinner staple that kids and adults alike will rave about.
• Budget Meal: Affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor—a win-win for families.
• One Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup needed with this one-pot wonder.
• Kid-Friendly: For families with kids who love pasta, this dish is a surefire hit.
• 30-Minute Meal: A quick, go-to dinner recipe for busy weeknights.

Hamburger Mac and Cheese Ingredients: A Closer Look

(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

• Macaroni Noodles: The base of this hearty casserole, providing texture and substance.
• Lean Ground Beef: Adds a savory depth that complements the cheesy sauce.
• Yellow Onions: Infuses a mild sweetness into the beefy goodness.
• Heavy Cream & Condensed Cheddar Soup: Together, they create the luxurious, cheesy sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
• Spices: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for that perfectly seasoned bite.
• Cheese Blend: Shredded mozzarella and cheddar offer a double-whammy of cheesy delight.

How to Make Hamburger Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

• Boil a pot of water and cook 16 oz of macaroni noodles as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of lean ground beef and 1 cup of diced yellow onions.
• Season with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent.

Create the Cheesy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add 2 cups of heavy cream, 10.5 oz of condensed cheddar soup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.

Combine:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well.
• Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top.
• Mix and stir until cheese is completely melted.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free: Swap out regular macaroni for a gluten-free alternative.

Healthier Version: Use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium condensed soup.

Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Casserole: This homemade recipe marries the heartiness of a hamburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese, creating the ultimate comfort meal.

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet: Want to mix things up? Add some diced pickles and tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until warmed through.

A Few Tips

• Serve with a side salad, for some healthy contrast.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle over crumbled bacon or potato chips.
• This dish is perfect for lunch boxes—just make sure it’s fully cooled before packing away.
• Leftovers can be used in a burrito or taco wrap for an easy grab and go meal!

FAQs

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Bell peppers or peas would be great additions. You can also add diced tomatoes and lettuce if you want to give it a cheeseburger twist.

Can I substitute the ground beef for something else?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Alternatively, you can omit the meat entirely and make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

What if I don’t have cheddar soup?

You can use a homemade cheese sauce made with flour, butter, milk, and shredded cheddar.

Can I use a cheese other than mozzarella and cheddar?

Feel free to experiment with gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

How can I make a healthier version of this casserole?

Replace heavy cream with a lighter cream and choose low-sodium condensed cheddar soup.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s one of those perfect easy weeknight dinner ideas that also serves well for meal prep.

How do I make hamburger helper creamier?

To make your homemade hamburger helper creamier, you can add extra heavy cream or even a dollop of sour cream. Cream cheese also works well and adds richness. Make sure to stir well to fully incorporate the added creamy ingredients.

Other Ground Beef Recipes to Try!

If you fell in love with our Hamburger Mac and Cheese, you’ll be smitten by our other ground beef recipes.

From hearty casseroles to sizzling skillets, get ready to explore the versatile world of ground beef dinners that the whole family will adore!

Dump and Baked Meatball Casserole

Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Baked Spaghetti

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Rigatoni Bolognese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Fries

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