High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef

Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef, a hearty one-pot meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy, three-cheese sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, ensuring every bite is decadently rich. The addition of seasoned ground beef, infused with aromatic spices like garlic, onion powder, and oregano, amps up the protein content, making this dish both nourishing and indulgent. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this family-friendly dinner comes together in just 40 minutes and is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you're craving comfort food or need a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a cheesy, savory dream!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low, then add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 8

Gently fold the seasoned ground beef into the macaroni and cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1625.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3969.5

Total Fat 241.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 789.5mg	0%
Sodium 5764.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 32.1g
Protein 228.6g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 3567.5mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 2009.6mg	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: 54.4%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 22.7%