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This easy Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. Made with taco seasoning, ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and lots of cheddar cheese, this cheeseburger mac is a hearty dinner full of beefy flavor!
It’s no secret that we love macaroni around here be sure to check out this 15-minute homemade mac and cheese extra cheesy baked mac and cheese and our favorite mac and cheese with broccoli too!
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the pasta of choice however any small pasta shape will work
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a flavorful crunch to the dish but it’s optional
- Ground Beef: I used lean ground beef but if you use a fattier cut of beef make sure to drain any excess grease You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken
- Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning infuses the dish with a savory flavor
- Rotel Tomatoes: Canned Rotel a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies provides a zesty and slightly spicy kick Use mild to keep this dish kid friendly or original or hot variates to crank up the heat
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and a touch of richness to the dish
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds more meaty flavor but you could use chicken broth or even water if needed This recipe will still be flavor-packed trust me
- Butter and Flour: Cooking these two together makes a roux for thickening the sauce
- Milk: Whole milk or evaporated milk will create the creamiest cheese sauce but reduced fat will work in a pinch
- Cream: Heavy cream adds a luxurious richness to the cheese sauce You can substitute it for half-and-half
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is best Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agent that can overly thicken a sauce
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Prep the Ingredients:
- If you’re using bacon cook it until crispy in a skillet and set it aside Then brown the ground beef breaking it up as you go Sprinkle in the taco seasoning Rotel and tomato paste Stir well
- Add the Broth and Cook the Pasta:
- Pour the broth into the skillet and bring everything to a simmer Dump in the macaroni and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate pan melt the butter and stir in your flour Cook this for a minute stirring to make a smooth paste and then whisk in the milk and cream Cook this until thick Finally stir in the cheese
- Finish the Dish:
- Pour that luscious cheese sauce over the cooked noodles add half the bacon and stir to combine Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the dish top with the rest of the bacon and cover the pan so the added cheese can melt Enjoy
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Tips for Success
I hope you’re feeling inspired to try this family-friendly macaroni casserole it really is so good everyone will ask for it again and again And these helpful tips will make it even better
What Goes with this Cheeseburger Macaroni
To continue the cheeseburger theme you could make a nice crisp iceberg wedge salad with this dish so good Other great options include Green Beans I have found that even anti-veggie eaters will go for green beans and these Air Fryer Green Beans have extra flavor and crispiness that will tempt everyone at the table Coleslaw Spicy Mango Slaw is great with any dish that’s got a lot of cheesy savory flavor The cool sweet crunchy ingredients make the perfect contrast Mushrooms For those of you who love mushrooms these Easy Roasted Mushrooms make a beautiful side dish at any meal
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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing this dish is super easy just cool it down and then pack it into an airtight container Store it in your fridge for up to five days You can reheat it on the stove microwave for 30-second bursts or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through
Can I Freeze This Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese
Sure Allow it to cool completely and then portion it into individual servings if you like you can also freeze the whole thing Package in airtight containers or freezer bags mark with the date and freeze the cheeseburger macaroni for up to three months To serve it let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it with a splash of milk or broth
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is traditional for its shape and texture, but any small pasta shape like shells or rotini will hold the cheese sauce well.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain excess grease for best results.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness?
Use mild Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning for a kid-friendly version, or choose hot varieties and add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat.
- → What makes the cheese sauce creamy and thick?
A roux made from butter and flour, combined with milk and cream, creates a rich base that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully when cheddar is stirred in.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove, microwave, or oven, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- → Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, after cooling completely, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight before reheating.