Cheeseburger Macaroni was a staple in my home growing up. LOVED IT! There was a point early on when I started cooking where the boxed version was fancy for me. I definitely ate this once a week for the first few years living on my own. I would switch it up with tuna as well. I was living the glamorous life. Making it yourself though is way better and I highly recommend it. You get to control what goes into it and into you and it tastes so much better.
I have definitely grown as a cook, thankfully. Still, this is my comfort food right here. You’re not doing much after you eat it except maybe putting on your favorite stretchy pants. I actually suggest maybe taking a walk and drinking some water. We actually go for a walk after dinner most nights and it’s quite nice.
I used turkey to lighten it up a bit. I was going to add a vegetable component, but nope. Peas or spinach might be good. I made the mistake trying to make this with sausage once. Don’t make that mistake. It was god awful and so greasy. Making it yourself is almost as easy as the box. Definitely a lot less processed crap in it for sure!
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey, chicken or beef
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp. olive oil if you don’t use beef
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp. onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. turmeric
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups hot water or chicken or beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups dry whole wheat macaroni noodles
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat a large skillet that has a cover. Add olive oil and onion and sauté about 3 minutes. Add meat and break up and cook till it is no longer pink. Drain any excess oil if you use beef.
- Add dry spices, leaving out cheese and parsley. Mix it and then add hot water/broth and milk and pasta and mix together. Bring to a boil, then stir one more time and cover with lid and bring down to a simmer. Cook until pasta is al dente. Add cheese and mix until it’s incorporated. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken up. Sprinkle with parsley and a little extra black pepper and serve.