Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Delight
Indulge in this rich and creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Delight, a comforting one-dish meal that rivals any classic hamburger helper. Packed with savory ground beef, flavorful spices, and a luscious blend of cheeses, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Unlike typical versions that can dry out, this recipe guarantees creamy goodness that remains delicious even the next day. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned)
Milk
1 cup
Water
2 cups
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (3 packages)
3 (7 1/4 ounce) packages (use only the cheese mix from two packages, save the macaroni for other uses)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (cubed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large dutch oven or a 12-inch skillet, brown the ground hamburger over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and, if desired, rinse the meat under hot water to reduce grease without compromising flavor.
2
Pour in the milk and water, then add the butter and cheese packet mixes from the Kraft macaroni and cheese boxes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, add the macaroni (discard the extra macaroni from two of the boxes) and stir to combine. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked al dente.
4
Add garlic powder and salt according to your taste preferences, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
5
Fold in the cubed cream cheese and continue stirring until fully melted and integrated into the dish, creating a rich and creamy texture.
6
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Delight?
It is a rich and creamy one-dish meal that combines ground beef, Kraft macaroni and cheese, and cream cheese for a homemade version of hamburger helper.
How many boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese are required?
You will need three 7 1/4 ounce packages of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for this recipe.
Do I use all the macaroni from the three boxes?
No, you should use all three cheese packets but only the macaroni from one of the boxes, discarding or saving the extra macaroni for another use.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef.
What makes this dish creamier than standard versions?
The addition of 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese and using extra cheese packets from the mac and cheese boxes creates a much richer texture.
What are the primary liquids used for the sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of water.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the beef to reduce grease.
Can I rinse the meat after browning it?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can rinse the meat under hot water after draining to further reduce grease if desired.
What seasonings are added to the cheeseburger macaroni?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, or to taste.
How long does the macaroni need to simmer?
Once the mixture is boiling and macaroni is added, cover and simmer on low for about 7 minutes.
What type of cookware is recommended?
A large Dutch oven or a 12-inch skillet is recommended for this one-dish meal.
When do I add the cream cheese?
Fold in the cubed cream cheese at the very end, after the macaroni is cooked, stirring until it is fully melted.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, this recipe is designed to stay creamy and delicious even when reheated the next day.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs, paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
How much cream cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of cream cheese, which should be cubed for easier melting.
Does the macaroni need to be cooked separately?
No, this is a one-pot meal where the macaroni is cooked directly in the beef, milk, and water mixture.
What should the heat setting be for simmering?
After the mixture reaches a boil, you should reduce the heat to low for the simmering stage.
Can I adjust the salt and garlic powder?
Yes, the salt and garlic powder amounts can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences.
What texture should the macaroni have?
The macaroni should be cooked until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and 'easy dinner,' making it perfect for busy schedules.
Can children eat this meal?
Absolutely, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food that kids usually love.
Do I need to cover the pot while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the pot while the macaroni is simmering to ensure it cooks evenly.
What kind of ground beef should I use?
The recipe does not specify a fat percentage, but since you drain the excess fat, most types of ground beef will work well.
How do I ensure the cream cheese integrates well?
Cubing the cream cheese before adding it and stirring continuously will help it melt and integrate smoothly.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is classified as comfort food and a one-dish ground beef recipe.
Is the garlic powder added at the beginning?
No, the garlic powder is stirred in after the macaroni has finished simmering.
Why do I discard the extra macaroni?
Discarding the extra noodles ensures a higher sauce-to-pasta ratio, making the dish significantly creamier.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe specifies salt and garlic powder, you can adjust seasonings as necessary to fit your taste.
How do I start the recipe?
The first step is browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.