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Cozy Creamy Hamburger Mac and Cheese Easy Family Dinner Recipe

creamy hamburger mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick, filling, and comforting macaroni and cheese dish with browned hamburger and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450 grams), preferably 80/20
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces or 115 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: frozen peas or diced bell peppers
  • Optional: dash of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, then transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly nutty in aroma.
  4. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, turning smooth and creamy.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce is silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add browned hamburger back into the skillet, then fold in cooked macaroni. Stir gently until evenly coated with cheese sauce.
  7. If desired, toss in frozen peas or diced bell peppers. Warm through for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Notes

Do not rush the roux; cook butter and flour mixture for about 2 minutes to avoid raw flour taste. Add milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Drain excess fat from beef but leave a little for flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash more milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: hamburger mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, quick family dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/cozy-creamy-hamburger-mac-and-cheese-easy-family-dinner-recipe/