macaroni cheese ground beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
macaroni cheese ground beef recipe
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The Best macaroni cheese ground beef recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic macaroni cheese ground beef recipe with you all. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The combination of al dente pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and savory ground beef is absolute perfection.

My family loves it, and I love how easy it is to make. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies – just add some steamed broccoli or carrots on the side!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. You can use different types of pasta, add some diced ham or bacon, or even try using a vegan cheese substitute.

The possibilities are endless. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never gets old. My kids request it all the time, and I love how it brings us all together around the dinner table.

It’s comfort food at its finest. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this dish freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly in the oven or microwave.

Macaroni Cheese with Ground Beef

Macaroni Cheese with Ground Beef

4.6 from 1681 votes

A hearty and comforting dish combining tender macaroni, a rich cheese sauce, and savory ground beef. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner that comes together in one pot.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
3While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
5Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
7Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8In the same large pot used for pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.
9Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
10Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
11Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.
12Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
13Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
14Add the cooked macaroni and the ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce.
15Stir gently until everything is evenly combined and coated with sauce.
16Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
17Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Watch Video Of How Macaroni Cheese with Ground Beef Works

This macaroni cheese ground beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple to make and pleases everyone from kids to adults. It works perfectly for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a regular weeknight dinner when you want something warm and satisfying. The combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and savory beef makes it a dish that never gets old.

For storage let the dish cool completely then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat you can use the oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or the microwave for individual servings.

If the casserole seems dry after refrigeration add a little milk before reheating. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni Cheese with Ground Beef

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a classic elbow macaroni for this recipe – it holds up perfectly to the cheese sauce and is easy to find in most grocery stores.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q: How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy macaroni, make sure to cook it al dente and then stir it into the cheese sauce gently. You can also try adding a little bit of cornstarch or flour to the cheese sauce to help thicken it.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sauce and ground beef mixture up to a day in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re using a store-bought pasta that contains gluten, be sure to check the ingredients label first.

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