Craving comfort food that's both quick and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this unbelievably cheesy, incredibly delicious Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe! This easy recipe takes the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and transforms them into a creamy, dreamy pasta dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a cozy night in, this homemade delight is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Get ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Create the Cheesy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, tomato soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir gently to combine everything. Heat through for a few minutes, ensuring the macaroni is coated in the delicious cheese sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheeseburger Macaroni:
- For extra cheesiness: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the Velveeta for an even richer flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Add some cooked vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots to the macaroni for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat gently before adding the macaroni.
Variations:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for extra smoky flavor.
- Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Macaroni: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and beef, and use Swiss cheese instead of Velveeta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Cholesterol: 70-80mg
- Sodium: 800-900mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 20-25g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a quick dinner idea that the whole family will love, a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish!