Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is a comforting, all-American casserole that combines the heartiness of seasoned ground sirloin with creamy cheddar cheese sauce and tender rotini pasta. Baked until golden and topped with fresh tomatoes and seasoned bread crumbs, this dish is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods — cheeseburgers and mac & cheese. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors makes it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded )
- 2 tomatoes (medium, thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground sirloin over medium heat until browned.
- Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked beef mixture and pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly coat a 2–3 quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into the dish.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese, and seasoned bread crumbs.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
Tips
- Substitute elbow macaroni or shells if rotini isn’t available
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for stronger cheese flavor
- Replace ground sirloin with ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add diced pickles on top after baking for a “burger” vibe
- Stir in sautéed onions or bell peppers with the beef
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for heat
- Use panko crumbs for a crispier topping
- Make ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving
- Swap part of the cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby
- Top with crumbled bacon for a bacon-cheeseburger twist
Nutrition
Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 27gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 710IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 2.7mg
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