Layered Mac N Cheese with Ground Beef
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Layered Mac N Cheese with Ground Beef—a hearty, baked pasta dish that's perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. This recipe combines tender, al dente elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, layered alongside a savory, spiced ground beef mixture infused with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this dish adds the perfect textural contrast to its gooey, cheesy interior. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a tantalizing bake that leaves your kitchen smelling divine, this layered casserole melds flavors and textures into pure satisfaction. Perfect as a main course, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup, shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, then set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked macaroni in an even layer. Top with half of the cheese sauce, followed by half of the ground beef mixture.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture.
Sprinkle the top layer with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1093 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.4 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.4 g | 157% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 174 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 1580 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.8 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 53.9 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 858 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 733 mg | 16% | |
*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.
