High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef and Corn

Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef and Corn, a hearty and satisfying twist on a classic favorite. Loaded with tender macaroni, savory browned ground beef, and sweet bursts of corn, all enveloped in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, this dish delivers flavor and nourishment in every bite. The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned cheese sauce, enhanced with onion, garlic, and paprika, creating a decadent base that ties the ingredients together. Ideal for busy weeknights, this protein-packed recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and serves up to 6, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp side salad for a balanced feast that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small chunks with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Add the frozen corn kernels to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the corn is heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 4

In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, forming a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.

Step 9

Gently fold the beef and corn mixture into the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1718.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3168.4

Total Fat 206.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 669.2mg	0%
Sodium 4346.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 38.1g
Protein 174.5g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 2317.9mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 2619.7mg	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: 57.2%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 21.3%