Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with the ultimate comfort food upgrade that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! Our "Beefed Up Mac and Cheese" isn't just another pasta dish - it's a hearty, flavor-packed meal that transforms the classic childhood favorite into a robust, satisfying dinner that will have everyone coming back for more. Imagine creamy, melted cheddar cheese coating perfectly cooked macaroni, generously mixed with savory, perfectly browned ground beef - this isn't just a side dish, it's a complete meal that promises to become your new go-to recipe for maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Add the cooked macaroni and browned ground beef to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a large serving dish. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful beef, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance taste and juiciness.
- Always drain excess fat from the beef to prevent your mac and cheese from becoming greasy.
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for a smoother, more luxurious cheese sauce.
- Keep the heat low when melting cheese to prevent separation and ensure a silky texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to your cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some sharp white cheddar or a touch of parmesan for complexity.
- If you want a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes with some breadcrumbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
