Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Cheesy Mac and Beef recipe! Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that combines perfectly cooked ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, savory sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. This quick and easy one-skillet wonder is not just a meal—it's a comfort food revolution that takes just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 can (
- 5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- While the macaroni is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Once the beef is cooked, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the drained elbow macaroni to the beef and soup mixture. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated with the sauce.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the Cheesy Mac and Beef hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and tastes richer.
- Don't overcook the macaroni—aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture. Test a piece a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish. Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess fat.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and low-fat milk and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 564kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 101mg
