Beef Mac and Cheese

Name: Beef Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo elbow macaroni; 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 28 ounce tomato sauce; 14.5 ounces beef broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); Garnish options: sliced green onions or chopped parsley

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Easy to prepare with less than 10 simple ingredients, this Beef Mac and Cheese is absolutely delicious and sure to become a weekly dinner for your family. This recipe is a foolproof classic meal in our house, and better yet it's made from start to finish in just 45 minutes.

This Beef Mac and Cheese is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl! It's the perfect combination of two comfort food favorites: macaroni and cheese and beef pasta. Tender jumbo elbow macaroni coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, combined with savory ground beef and a touch of tomato goodness.

This dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty and delicious in just 45 minutes! Think homemade hamburger helper and 10 times better than the boxed stuff! Homemade recipes like this one allows you customize the recipe exactly how you and your whole family like it.

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If you're looking for more comfort dinner ideas, be sure to check out my Crock Pot Beef and Noodles, Easy Salisbury Steak, and Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Like This Recipe

Comforting Dinner in under an Hour: The combination of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender pasta makes this a perfect meal for any time you need a comfort food fix in under an hour.
Budget-Friendly: Hamburger mac and cheese uses less than 10 basic ingredients that are affordable and simple to prepare.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore this hearty meal, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. It's especially a favorite for picky eaters!
Simple Recipe and Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it a convenient, easy peasy option for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

One of our favorite things about this recipe is it's made with staple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. We always keep beef in the freezer, so we can make this meal during busy weeks in a pinch!

Scroll down for recipe amounts and instructions in the recipe card.

Jumbo Elbow Macaroni: Classic macaroni pasta is the foundation of the dish. These large, hearty pasta pieces hold up well to the rich sauce and ground beef.
Ground Beef: Hearty ground beef adds a savory, meaty depth to the dish.
Pinch of Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomato sauce.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base that blends perfectly with the beef and cheese.
Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the dish moist.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Mozzarella: The stars of the show, these cheeses melt into a creamy, gooey sauce that coats every piece of pasta and beef.

Tools You'll Need

How to Make this Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook pasta in boiling salted water in a large pot per package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium-high heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Turn the heat to medium heat. Stir in salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic powder, tomato sauce, and beef broth until well blended.

Stirring tomato sauce into ground beef in a skillet.

Fold in 1 cup of each shredded cheese into the meat mixture. Once combined, fold in the drained pasta.

Pour the mixture into a 13”x9” baking dish, and top with remaining cheeses.
Bake covered with aluminum foil for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.

Adding green onions to the top of beef Mac and cheese.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan cheese, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Pasta Options: Besides jumbo elbow macaroni, you can also use regular macaroni, shells, rigatoni, cavatappi, rotini, ziti, or penne.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add vegetables like green pepper, yellow onion, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute lean ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
More Seasoning Options: You can add more pizzazz to chili Mac by adding Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

What to Serve with Beef Mac and Cheese

We love pairing cheesy macaroni and beef recipe with a quick vegetable side dish. Some of our favorites are a quick House Salad, Crispy Green Beans, or Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms.

It's also excellent with Garlic Bread and Beer Bread! Aim for fresh, crisp sides like these that balance the richness of the beef mac and cheese.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days.

While you can freeze, thaw and reheat beef macaroni and cheese, it will compromise the smooth, creamy texture of the recipe. Allow it to cool completely before storing in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make beef macaroni and cheese creamier?

For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. Just be sure to mix it in thoroughly until smooth.

What kind of cheese works best for mac and cheese with meat?

A combination of cheddar and mozzarella is used in macaroni and cheese with beef for their melting qualities and flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different taste profiles.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a lighter version of the dish. Just be sure to season the meat well to maintain the savory flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make hamburger mac and cheese casserole gluten-free, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure the tomato sauce and beef broth are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

To avoid a grainy cheese sauce, make sure to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Also, melt the cheese slowly over low heat and avoid overheating it.

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