cheesy beef macaroni recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cheesy beef macaroni recipe

I’ve been making this cheesy beef macaroni recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in my household. The dish is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made with just a few ingredients, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

I’ve tried many variations of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my go-to. The combination of tender beef, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese sauce is absolute perfection. My kids love helping me make it, and they always ask for seconds.

I like that it’s easy to customize with different types of cheese and vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover beef or vegetables. I’ve even served it at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special events. I’ve also found that the leftovers freeze beautifully, so we can enjoy the meal again another day. Overall, this cheesy beef macaroni recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours as well.

The health benefits are also a plus – the pasta provides complex carbohydrates, while the beef offers lean protein and the cheese adds calcium for strong bones.

Cheesy Beef Macaroni

4.6 from 1149 votes

A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente macaroni. This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Macaroni

250g macaroni pasta

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large pan over medium heat.
2Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and no longer pink.
3Drain excess fat.
4Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent.
5In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
7Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8Cook until the mixture thickens.
9Stir in grated cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper into the saucepan.
10Cook, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes.
11Remove from heat.
12Cook macaroni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
13Drain and return to the pot.
14Combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce in the pot.
15Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
16Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

🔧Equipment

Large pan
Saucepan
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for variety. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Beef Macaroni Works

This cheesy beef macaroni recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to serve at family gatherings or potlucks. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers another day.

To store leftovers safely, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Reheat by steaming or microwaving until hot through.

You can also serve this dish as part of a larger meal; try pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Beef Macaroni

Q1: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

This recipe works well with elbow macaroni or other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q3: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick, make sure to stir constantly while adding the grated cheese to the saucepan.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables; simply sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the beef.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains beef; however, you can easily adapt it to be vegetarian by substituting the beef with roasted vegetables or tofu.

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