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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.