Ultimate Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Skip the boxed meals and indulge in this wholesome homemade version of Cheeseburger Macaroni! Packed with flavorful seasonings and creamy cheddar cheese, this family favorite is easy to make and loaded with protein. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can prepare 'sauce packets' in advance for even quicker prep. This recipe is highly customizable—feel free to adjust the seasonings or cheese to match your family's taste. Enjoy it fresh from the skillet, topped with extra cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish!
4
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (92% lean, browned and drained)
Hot Water
1 cup (N/A)
Milk
2 cups (N/A)
Elbow Macaroni
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded, plus more for topping)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2
In the same skillet, add the hot water, milk, elbow macaroni, and all 'sauce packet' ingredients: cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
In the last few minutes of cooking, add the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until melted and well incorporated, then re-cover to allow the cheese to fully melt.
5
Once the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted, remove from heat and uncover. Let the dish stand for about 5 minutes; the sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.
6
Serve hot and top with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet?
It is a wholesome, homemade alternative to boxed cheeseburger macaroni meals, featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce packet?
The sauce packet consists of cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef, preferably 92% lean.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of elbow macaroni.
How long should the macaroni simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dry 'sauce packets' in advance to make weeknight prep even faster.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
Do I need to drain the beef?
Yes, after browning the ground beef, you should drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping.
What liquids are used to cook the pasta?
The pasta is cooked in 1 cup of hot water and 2 cups of milk.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a skillet dinner where everything is prepared in a single large pan.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why do I need to let the dish stand for 5 minutes?
Allowing the dish to stand helps the sauce thicken as it cools slightly.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable to match your family's specific taste preferences.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the creamy cheese sauce.
Should the mixture be boiled before simmering?
Yes, bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing heat to low and covering.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of paprika.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is included in the seasoning mix.
What temperature should I brown the beef at?
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Should I stir the pasta while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it simmers to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pan.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is garlic powder or fresh garlic used?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What makes this meal 'ultimate'?
It is considered ultimate because it combines fresh ingredients, high protein, and a customizable flavor profile that surpasses boxed versions.
How much onion powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Can I add more cheese at the end?
Absolutely, it is recommended to top with additional cheddar cheese if desired before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, one-pot meal, quick and easy, ground beef, and cheesy pasta.