If you want a simple, filling dish that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights, Beefy Mac and Cheese is an excellent choice. This recipe combines creamy cheese, tender macaroni, and savory ground beef in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that satisfies everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Beefy Mac and Cheese Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add this Beefy Mac and Cheese to your regular meal rotation. First, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning you save time and effort with fewer dishes to wash. The combination of ground beef and two kinds of cheese makes it rich and flavorful without being complicated. The use of beef stock and hot tomato sauce gives the macaroni a delicious depth of flavor you don’t get with plain water or milk.
You’ll also appreciate how flexible this recipe is. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, swap out cheeses, or add vegetables like peppers or spinach to boost the nutrition. It cooks quickly, so it’s a great choice when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Beefy Mac and Cheese
To make this hearty and cheesy dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (7-ounce) can hot tomato sauce
- 1 quart beef stock
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Beefy Mac and Cheese
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped red pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the beef is browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Break up the beef as it cooks so it’s in small, bite-sized pieces.
Next, sprinkle in the onion powder and dried Italian seasoning. Pour in the hot tomato sauce and the beef stock, stirring everything to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This step helps all the flavors meld together and builds a rich base for your macaroni.
Add the dried macaroni pasta directly to the skillet. Stir it in so it’s evenly distributed and covered by the liquid. Leave the skillet uncovered and let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, or until it’s tender but still firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Once the macaroni is ready, taste the dish and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Then, stir in about two-thirds of the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the cheese melt fully and creates a smooth, gooey layer on top.
Finally, garnish your Beefy Mac and Cheese with freshly chopped chives before serving. These add a mild onion flavor and a nice visual contrast.
How to Serve Beefy Mac and Cheese
Beefy Mac and Cheese is wonderful served straight from the skillet or transferred onto plates or bowls for a cozy meal. Because it’s rich and filling, it works well on its own or paired with simple sides. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can add a crisp and light balance to your meal.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a little hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. You can also serve it alongside some garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner. Just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese creamy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beefy Mac and Cheese
To get the best results with your Beefy Mac and Cheese, here are some helpful tips:
- Use a high-walled skillet or a deep pan to prevent spills when cooking pasta in liquid. It gives you enough space to stir comfortably without making a mess.
- Keep an eye on the macaroni as it cooks. Pasta can quickly go from perfectly tender to mushy. Test a piece after about 8 minutes and then every couple of minutes until it’s just right.
- If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of milk or cream before stirring in the cheese.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, use extra sharp cheddar or add a bit of Parmesan.
- Don’t skip the resting step with the cheese on top. It’s key to getting that perfect melted, gooey layer.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option, but the beef stock and tomato sauce really add to the depth of flavor.
How to Store Beefy Mac and Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the cheese from separating.
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious.
Variations of Beefy Mac and Cheese
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini along with the red pepper for extra nutrition and color.
- Stir in a spoonful of mustard or a dash of smoked paprika to give the sauce a little kick.
- Swap the hot tomato sauce for a mild marinara if you want a gentler flavor.
- Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for unique tastes.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before covering and resting, or broil for a minute or two at the end.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or sausage if you’re not avoiding those ingredients, for an extra savory boost.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Frequently Asked Questions about Beefy Mac and Cheese
What is the best pasta to use for Beefy Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni is classic for this dish because its small tube shape holds cheese sauce well. However, you can use elbow pasta, shells, or even small penne if you prefer.
Can I make Beefy Mac and Cheese vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. You can add mushrooms or lentils for a meaty texture.
How long does Beefy Mac and Cheese keep in the fridge?
It stays good for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time, then combine with cooked pasta and cheese right before serving to keep it fresh.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your beef stock and tomato sauce don’t contain gluten.
Beefy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 can hot tomato sauce (7-ounce)
- 1 quart beef stock
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, red pepper, and garlic, cooking until beef is browned.
- Sprinkle in onion powder and Italian seasoning. Pour in tomato sauce and beef stock, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Add macaroni, stirring to distribute, and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in two-thirds of the cheddar and mozzarella. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
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