beef macaroni and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best beef macaroni and cheese recipe

Beef macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that never fails to hit the spot. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste with different types of cheese and seasonings. I like to use a combination of cheddar and parmesan for a rich, creamy flavor. The pasta cooks up perfectly in the cheese sauce, and the beef adds a nice depth of flavor.

It’s a great way to get some protein and complex carbohydrates into your diet, too. Plus, it’s just plain delicious – who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese? My family requests this dish at least once a week, and I’m happy to oblige.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover beef or vegetables if you have them on hand. This recipe is a staple in my household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the cheese or the pasta!

And don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to still have some bite to it when you serve it up. Now, let’s get started with the recipe.

Beef Macaroni and Cheese

Beef Macaroni and Cheese

4.9 from 1655 votes

A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef and creamy cheese sauce over macaroni pasta. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp Dijon mustard

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
Water for boiling
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain excess fat.
4Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
5Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
6While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
8Drain and set aside.
9In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
10Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
11Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
12Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
13Stir in Dijon mustard.
14Add shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
15If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
16Add salt and black pepper to taste.
17Combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
18Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
19Transfer the mixture to a serving dish.
20If desired, you can top the dish with additional shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
21Be careful not to burn the cheese.
22Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊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 add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Beef Macaroni and Cheese Works

This beef macaroni and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need something quick and comforting on a busy weeknight.

It’s easy to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use when reheating works beautifully with simply adding some milk if needed.

Serve with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into all that cheesy goodness!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Macaroni and Cheese

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

You can use any type of pasta you like, but macaroni is traditional because of its tubular shape that holds onto the cheese sauce well.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cheese if you prefer – just keep in mind that it may not melt as well as regular cheese.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe should take about 30 minutes from start to finish – that includes cooking the pasta, browning the beef, and melting the cheese.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Sure thing! Some ideas are steamed broccoli or carrots added directly into the cheesy pasta mixture or even using some breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy texture.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

This recipe is perfect for kids because they love macaroni and cheese – just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly if they’re sensitive eaters.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts