High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef recipe, a hearty twist on the classic favorite. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, this dish gets an extra boost of protein from perfectly seasoned ground beef. Flavored with a harmonious blend of garlic, onion powder, and oregano, every bite is rich and satisfying. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this one-pot meal is an ideal option for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing family dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, this elevated mac and cheese is both nutritious and irresistible—perfect for anyone looking to combine bold flavor with high-protein goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, then add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Gently fold the seasoned ground beef into the macaroni and cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3970 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 241.9 g | 310% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.9 g | 624% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 790 mg | 263% | |
| Sodium | 5764 mg | 251% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 227.1 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.1 g | ||
| Protein | 228.6 g | 457% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3568 mg | 274% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 2010 mg | 43% | |
*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.
