Loaded Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef Recipe
This Loaded Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish combining creamy cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and flavorful seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this recipe balances rich sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses with savory spices for a classic twist on mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Pasta
- ½ pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Return the drained beef to the skillet over the burner and stir in chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute without browning.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Add the parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses and stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine All Components: Add the cooked macaroni noodles and seasoned ground beef into the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients uniformly. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor; mild cheddar can be substituted but the taste will be less intense.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Stir the cheese sauce continuously to avoid lumps.
- The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
Keywords: mac and cheese, ground beef, cheesy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal
