Heart-Healthy Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef

Transform your comfort food cravings into a nourishing and flavorful meal with this Heart-Healthy Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef. Crafted with whole-grain elbow macaroni, lean ground beef, and a creamy low-fat cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe takes a lighter approach to a beloved classic without sacrificing taste. Enhanced by the aromatic blend of sautéed onion and garlic, a touch of Dijon mustard, and vibrant baby spinach, every bite is a wholesome delight. Packed with protein and fiber, and made with health-conscious ingredients like olive oil, whole wheat flour, and skim milk, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a guilt-free twist on mac and cheese the whole family will love. Serve it fresh and warm, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for a little extra flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-grain elbow macaroni
• 0.5 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1.5 cups sharp low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Boil a large pot of water and cook the whole-grain elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Sprinkle whole wheat flour over the beef mixture and stir gently to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and skim milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 8

Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 9

Add the cooked macaroni and chopped baby spinach to the skillet, and gently toss to combine everything with the cheese sauce.

Step 10

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with extra pepper or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1454.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2320.5

Total Fat 85.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 237.4mg	0%
Sodium 2982.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 21.1g
Protein 158.3g	0%

Vitamin D 143.4IU	0%
Calcium 1765.5mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 2611.7mg	0%

*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: 34.3%

Protein: 28.2%

Carbs: 37.5%