Description
Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is a comforting and hearty slow cooker dish combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, Velveeta cheese, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. This creamy, cheesy casserole is perfect for a family meal and comes together with minimal prep, allowing the slow cooker to meld all the rich flavors over time.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon (optional)
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) box elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 lb Velveeta (cut into cubes)
- 4 cups milk
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp Montreal Steak Seasoning (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of lean ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease thoroughly to avoid a greasy final dish. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, evaporated milk, beef bouillon cube, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, Montreal Steak Seasoning, and optional cooked bacon to the slow cooker with the ground beef. Stir all ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Cook on high: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH heat for 1 hour. This allows the pasta to begin softening and the flavors to meld together.
- Check pasta doneness: After an hour, remove the lid and stir the mixture. Test the pasta for tenderness; if it is not yet tender, cover again and continue cooking. Check every 15 minutes to avoid overcooking, as slow cooker models can vary.
- Add cheddar cheese and melt: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the slow cooker and allow the cheese to melt for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, include the optional chopped cooked bacon.
- Stir the dish occasionally if your slow cooker tends to cook unevenly to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a thicker mac and cheese, reduce the milk slightly or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to evaporate some liquid.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- Adjust the Montreal Steak Seasoning to your taste preference or substitute with a mix of black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
