Yield: 4
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This easy Cheeseburger Macaroni is so cheesy and full of beefy flavor! Made with taco seasoning, ground beef, and Rotel tomatoes, this mac and cheese is sure to please even the pickiest eater, and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, optional
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, mild, original, or hot
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the panand set aside. Drain the bacon drippings from the pan.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked through, add the taco seasoning, rotel, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Pour the broth into the skillet and heat till it begins to simmer, then add the macaroni. Cook for 10 minutes until the noodles are al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan and stir in the flour. Cook for one minute.
- Then whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of the cheese until melted and smooth.
- When the noodles are tender, pour the cheese sauce over the noodles, add half the bacon and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the noodles and top with the remaining bacon. Place a lid on the pan and allow the cheese to melt. Serve immediately!
Notes
Storing: 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.
Reheating:You can reheat it on the stove, microwave for 30-second bursts, or in the oven at 350°F, until warmed through.
Freezing: To freeze, cool the macaroni and then package in airtight containers or freezer bags. Mark with the date, and freeze the cheeseburger macaroni for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Onion: If you want to add onion, you can add the onion with the ground beef and sauté until tender, then continue. Yummy!
Cheese Sauce: How thick should the sauce be? You’ll know it’s ready when you can run your finger down the middle of the spoon, and the sauce doesn’t run back together.
Toppings: You can top this dish with some diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles to give it even more of a cheeseburger flavor!
Nutrition
Calories: 1044kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 58g, Fat: 66g, Saturated Fat: 35g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 19g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 230mg, Sodium: 1590mg, Potassium: 941mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1653IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 670mg, Iron: 4mg