Mac n’ Cheese with Ground Beef is a comforting, one-pot dish that combines the rich, creamy goodness of mac n’ cheese with savory, seasoned ground beef. The creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the ground beef adds a hearty, meaty element that takes the dish to the next level. Topped with extra cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, this is a meal that’s both filling and delicious.
I first made this dish when I wanted a quick and easy meal that would satisfy the whole family. The combination of cheesy pasta and savory ground beef was a perfect match, and it quickly became a favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can switch up the type of cheese for different flavors, add vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or even spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or chili powder. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, Mac n’ Cheese with Ground Beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Casual gatherings
- Meal prep
- Comfort food lovers
- Quick and easy weeknight meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Mac n Cheese with Ground Beef will become your new go-to comfort food:
- Perfect Comfort Food: The combination of creamy cheese and savory beef makes for a heartwarming meal.
- Hearty and Filling: Ground beef adds a satisfying depth of flavor and protein to the dish.
- Easy to Make: This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and comes together quickly.
- Kid-Friendly: With its familiar flavors, this dish is a hit with children and adults alike.
- Customizable Cheese Blend: You can mix different types of cheese for a richer flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made in advance and reheated for a quick meal during the week.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, as everything cooks in one pot.
- Versatile Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes, like crispy breadcrumbs or fresh herbs, for extra flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients make this a cost-effective meal for the whole family.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving a small group or a large crowd, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 35g
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
- Water for boiling pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Crispy breadcrumbs
Ingredient Highlights
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Ground Beef: Provides a savory, protein-rich component that pairs beautifully with the cheese sauce.
- Elbow Macaroni: Perfectly sized to hold onto the cheesy sauce, making each bite indulgent.
- Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Season: Stir in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another minute, then set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a separate large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Make a Roux: Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder (if using).
Combine the Pasta and Beef:
- Mix Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked pasta and ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine until evenly coated.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, or crispy breadcrumbs if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mac n Cheese with Ground Beef:
- As a Family Dinner: Serve as the main dish for a cozy family meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- For Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy, reheatable lunches or dinners.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to complete the comfort food experience.
- Topped with Crispy Onions: Add crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a Quick Lunch: This dish is perfect for a filling lunch on busy days.
- With Sautéed Veggies: Pair with sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for a nutritious side.
- For Game Day: Serve as a comforting appetizer or main dish for game day parties.
- With Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- As a Potluck Dish: This meal travels well, making it a great choice for potlucks or gatherings.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the ground beef mixture and cheese sauce to adjust seasoning before combining.
- Use a Cheese Blend: Try mixing different cheeses, like gouda or parmesan, for more complex flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture for some heat.
- Use Leftover Meat: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked meat, such as roasted chicken or turkey.
- Cheese Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Mac n Cheese: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Beef Bacon Mac n Cheese: Add crispy beef bacon bits to the cheese sauce or sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
- Buffalo Mac n Cheese: Stir in some buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- BBQ Mac n Cheese: Use barbecue seasoning in the beef mixture and drizzle with BBQ sauce before serving.
- Cheesy Veggie Mac n Cheese: Add cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the cheese sauce.
- Mexican Mac n Cheese: Stir in taco seasoning and top with sour cream and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex spin.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and cooking the aromatics.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and making the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To ensure the roux and cheese sauce are smooth.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing the beef and pasta.
- Strainer: For draining the pasta.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve. - What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can substitute with 2% milk, heavy cream, or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. - How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to add the cheese slowly to the warm milk mixture, stirring constantly. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. - What’s the best way to reheat this?
Reheat the mac n cheese in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. - Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly and evenly. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
Mac n Cheese with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory richness of seasoned ground beef. This hearty twist on a classic dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings for something warm and delicious. The creamy cheese sauce clings to the pasta while the ground beef adds a flavorful, meaty depth, making every bite a perfect blend of cheesy and savory goodness.
This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want a filling meal that doesn’t take too long to make. You can customize it by adding extra seasonings, vegetables, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side to your favorite main course, Mac n Cheese with Ground Beef is a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
I can’t wait to see how your Mac n Cheese with Ground Beef turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own!