Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef—a hearty, family-friendly dish that delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni and perfectly seasoned ground beef with a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for layers of irresistible flavor. A quick homemade roux and a hint of garlic, paprika, and black pepper elevate the creaminess, making it feel gourmet while remaining easy to prepare in just under 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing classic that turns simple pantry staples into a decadent meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve it piping hot for a dish everyone's sure to love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Season the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the garlic powder. Stir to combine, then set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with the remaining salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Gently fold the cooked ground beef into the macaroni and cheese mixture until combined.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.7 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.0 g | 135% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 147 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 1028 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 716 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 460 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
