Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef
Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef recipe, a hearty twist on the classic favorite. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, the dish is enriched with perfectly seasoned ground beef for a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Flavored with pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this casserole is baked to golden perfection for a crunchy finish. Quick to prepare and ideal for family dinners, it’s a one-pan dinner option that delivers on flavor and texture. Add an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color to complement its rich, savory goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it forms a smooth paste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked macaroni and ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta and beef are well coated with the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 266.5 g | 342% | |
| Saturated Fat | 129.7 g | 648% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 791 mg | 264% | |
| Sodium | 5421 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 460.1 g | 167% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.9 g | ||
| Protein | 241.3 g | 483% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.3 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 3090 mg | 238% | |
| Iron | 31.5 mg | 175% | |
| Potassium | 2650 mg | 56% | |
*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.
