BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Imagine all the gooey goodness of a cheeseburger mingled with comforting, creamy macaroni—sound like a dream? The BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is the absolute cozy weeknight favorite you’ll crave again and again. It’s a million times more delicious than any boxed mix, yet quick enough for the busiest evenings!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is all in these basic-but-beautiful ingredients. Every single one plays a delicious part—bringing in richness, depth, and that signature cheeseburger punch. Here’s why they matter:

• Ground beef: This forms the hearty base and brings all that classic burger flavor.
• Avocado oil: Adds richness to the beef and helps sauté everything to golden perfection.
• Onion: Sautéed until sweet and soft, it gives the whole dish mouthwatering depth and aroma.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the cheeseburger flavor and adds a subtle, savory tang.
• Sweet paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a pretty rosy glow to the sauce.
• Onion powder & garlic powder: Double down for the ultimate flavor boost, mimicking those burger toppings we love.
• Salt & sugar: Just a pinch of sugar balances the tang of the tomato, and salt lifts every single flavor.
• Chili powder & black pepper: Lend a gentle kick and a depth that makes each bite interesting.
• All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): This thickens the sauce for that ultra-creamy, clings-to-every-noodle finish.
• Whole milk: Golden, creamy richness ties everything together—don’t skimp here!
• Beef broth: Layers on savory notes that make this taste like a true diner classic.
• Whole wheat elbow macaroni: These sturdy noodles soak up all that cheesy sauce, and the whole wheat adds a lovely toasty bite.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The star that melts into glorious ribbons—sharp cheddar makes it pop!

Variations

The beauty of BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is how wildly customizable it is. You can make it dairy-free, make it gluten-free, amp up the veggie power—there’s no wrong way to craft your ultimate bowl.

• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and swap the flour for cornstarch mixed into the broth for a just-as-creamy result.
• Make It Spicy: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat with your comfort food.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some frozen peas, sweet corn, or finely chopped bell pepper along with the onion for a colorful, nutritious twist.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and cheese—this recipe holds up beautifully for non-dairy families too.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try half cheddar, half Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a milder, stretchier bite.

How to Make BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Step 1: Sizzle & Brown the Beef

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your ground beef—breaking it up as it cooks. You want to get a good, flavorful sear here—keep cooking until there’s no more pink, and the edges of some bits are golden brown. This is where the “burger” magic begins!

Step 2: Soften the Onion

Add the finely chopped onion right into the beef, and let it sauté for around 5 minutes. The onion melts down, becoming sweet and soft, and infuses the meat with irresistible flavor. Make sure you stir often so nothing sticks or burns!

Step 3: Amp Up the Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste, all the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, sugar, salt, pepper), and sprinkle in the flour. This is where those classic cheeseburger flavors mingle and the flour gets cooked out a little, ensuring your sauce will be smooth—not starchy.

Step 4: Create the Sauce & Simmer

Pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring well to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dried macaroni and stir so the noodles are evenly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it bubble away for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice. The macaroni will absorb all those rich flavors and thicken everything as it cooks. For perfect al dente noodles, start checking at the 9 minute mark!

Step 5: Turn It Cheesy!

When the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, switch off the heat. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and gently stir until it melts into a luscious, gooey sauce. It should be thick, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Now admire your masterpiece—it’s officially the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni!

Step 6: Serve Up & Enjoy

Spoon into bowls immediately and get ready to watch everyone devour their “grown-up cheeseburger helper.” If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving.

How to Serve BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives is absolutely delightful, adding a lovely pop of color and a light, fresh note against all that cheesy decadence. For a real cheeseburger moment, add some diced pickles or a little drizzle of ketchup and mustard—it sounds quirky, but it’s shockingly tasty!

Side Dishes

This hearty favorite is already a meal on its own, but it absolutely shines with a bright, crisp green salad. Try a simple spinach salad, coleslaw, or steamed green beans on the side to balance all the creamy richness. Garlic bread is also a winning partner—no one’s ever mad about extra carbs, right?

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style comfort meal, serve straight from the skillet at the table—everyone will love helping themselves. Want to get playful? Scoop portions into mini ramekins, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top, and broil for two minutes for adorable single-serving “cheeseburger bakes.” Or, serve in hollowed-out baked potatoes for an over-the-top, show-stopping twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As it sits, the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens even more, making tomorrow’s lunch pretty irresistible!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay flat for easy stacking, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just stir halfway through to make sure everything is evenly heated and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving soul-warming, crowd-pleasing comfort that tastes like childhood (only way better!), give the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s easy, endlessly tweakable, and honestly—one bite and you’ll see why it’s my go-to for instant smiles. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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