Mac and Cheese Burger Casserole

Ingredients

Beef layer

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup (optional)

Pasta layer

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

Cheese sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt to taste

Topping (optional)

• Extra cheese for baking
• Breadcrumbs for crunch

Instructions

1. Cook pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook beef mixture

• Heat a pan and cook ground beef until browned.
• Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Stir in tomato paste if using.
• Set aside.

3. Make cheese sauce

• Melt butter in a pot.
• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly add milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
• Cook until slightly thickened.
• Add cheese and stir until smooth.
• Season to taste.

4. Combine

• Mix pasta, beef, and cheese sauce together in a large bowl.

5. Bake

• Pour into a baking dish.
• Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Result

Creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole with a burger-style beef flavor.

Variations

• Add jalapeños for spice
• Use mozzarella + cheddar mix for stretchiness
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetables
• Replace beef with chicken or lentils for a lighter version

If you want, I can also make a one-pot version (no baking required) or a quick 30-minute recipe.