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Hamburger Mac and Cheese - This kid-pleasing, stove-top mac and cheese combines ground beef, sharp cheddar, and diced tomatoes to make a great, quick weeknight meal. | justalittlebitofbacon.com
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Hamburger Mac and Cheese

This kid-pleasing, stove-top mac and cheese combines ground beef, sharp cheddar, and diced tomatoes to make a great, quick weeknight meal.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ground beef pasta, mac and cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 700kcal
Author justalittlebitofbacon

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, or 2%
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 2 oz parmesan, shredded
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 12 oz short pasta, such as medium sized shells
  • 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

Instructions

  • In a large 12-inch skillet, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Add onion and salt and cook for 8 minutes more. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add butter to skillet. When it has melted, add 3 tablespoon of the flour.
  • Using a whisk (a flat one if you have it), stir together flour and butter into a roue and let it bubble for 1 minute.
  • Add the milk. Bring to a low boil, reducing heat to medium if necessary, and whisk frequently while it thickens, 2 minutes.
  • Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour into the cheese, and add the cheese by handfuls into the hot milk, whisking constantly, until all the cheese has been added and it's fully melted.
  • Add the paprika, thyme, and mustard powder and stir in.
  • While you are making the cheese sauce, heat up a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. The pasta should be done about the same time the cheese sauce is ready.
  • Add the pasta to the cheese sauce, mix to combine, and let simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Either add the tomatoes to the pot at the end of cooking just before serving, or serve them separately to be added at the table.

Notes

  • Add-ins: For a complete meal, add in chopped cooked broccoli, frozen peas, or edamame.
  • Flour in the Cheese: Coating the cheese with some of the flour helps it melt more smoothly and makes the cheese less likely to break.

Nutrition

Calories: 700kcal