Beefy Mac Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Beefy Mac Cheese recipe—a rich, hearty twist on the classic mac and cheese. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a velvety, three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, offering the perfect creamy base. Savory, seasoned ground beef, sautéed with onion and garlic, adds a bold, meaty flavor that elevates this dish to a satisfying one-pot meal. A hint of paprika and optional crushed red pepper flakes lend just the right amount of warmth and spice, while a buttery roux ensures every bite is irresistibly smooth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy, family-friendly recipe serves six and is perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 5

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 6

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat evenly.

Step 9

Fold in the seasoned ground beef mixture until fully combined.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2106 grams (2106.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4742

Total Fat 268.40g	344%
Saturated Fat 139.00g	695%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 850mg	283%
Sodium 5777mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 338.40g	123%
Dietary Fiber 15.80g	56%
Total Sugars 54.30g
Protein 249.40g	499%

Vitamin D 370IU	1851%
Calcium 3840mg	295%
Iron 24mg	133%
Potassium 2775mg	59%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.7%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 28.4%