Delicious Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a warm, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese, especially when it’s loaded with savory ground beef. This Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also brings back those cozy memories of family dinners and laughter around the table. Trust me, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese

• Fast
• Easy
• Giftable
• Crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: The heart of this dish, adding protein and flavor.
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni: Classic choice for that beloved mac and cheese texture.
• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient that makes everything cheesy and delicious.
• 2 cups milk: For creaminess in your cheese sauce.
• 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps create the cheese sauce.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle sweetness that complements the cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): For a touch of color and a hint of spice.

How to Make Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Ready to get started? Let’s make this delicious dish together!

1. In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 1 minute until well combined.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni and ground beef in the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle paprika for added flavor.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Additions

If you’re feeling adventurous or have some dietary preferences, here are a few fun swaps and additions you can try:

• Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add some veggies like spinach or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Try different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
• Mix in some cooked bacon or sausage for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the macaroni; it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy dish.
• If your cheese sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach the desired consistency.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great option for gatherings.

How to Store Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Leftovers are a delightful part of this recipe! To store:

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Just substitute the ground beef with your favorite meat alternative or add more veggies.

How can I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions.

Can I add spices for extra flavor? Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.

And there you have it! This Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. For more delicious recipes, check out the simple minced beef recipe or the easy zucchini slice recipe for treats you will love!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to follow my Pinterest account for more delightful ideas and inspiration!

Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese

There's something incredibly nostalgic about a warm, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese, especially when it's loaded with savory ground beef. This Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also brings back those cozy memories of family dinners and laughter around the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 670

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Ground Beef Mac ‘n’ Cheese

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika optional

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 1 minute until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni and ground beef in the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle paprika for added flavor.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.