Macaroni with Cheese Ground Beef
Satisfy your craving for a comforting, hearty meal with this Macaroni with Cheese Ground Beef recipe—a delicious fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory beef. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder combines tender macaroni with a velvety cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce, enriched by a robust mixture of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic. A hint of paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, making this dish irresistibly satisfying. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes and packed with bold flavors, it’s a family-friendly meal that guarantees happy, full bellies. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs, and watch it become a weeknight favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef mixture aside in a bowl.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly.
Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and the ground beef mixture back to the pot. Stir everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3350 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 226.9 g | 291% | |
| Saturated Fat | 117.8 g | 589% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 751 mg | 250% | |
| Sodium | 5837 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.7 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.6 g | ||
| Protein | 200.6 g | 401% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 3262 mg | 251% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2482 mg | 53% | |
*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.
