Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef

Transform dinnertime with this indulgent Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef—a comforting, hearty baked dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory browned ground beef, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Topped with crispy, golden panko breadcrumbs, this recipe brings together the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and meaty flavors in every bite. Enhanced with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, this crowd-pleasing casserole is easy to make in under an hour and ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy a classic dish elevated to new levels of flavor! Perfect as a main course, this recipe is both filling and satisfying—a surefire hit for macaroni and cheese lovers.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni and ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta and beef are well coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2085.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5200.5

Total Fat 266.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 129.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 791.0mg	0%
Sodium 5421.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 460.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 241.3g	0%

Vitamin D 370.1IU	0%
Calcium 3090.0mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 2650.5mg	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: 46.1%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 35.4%