Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef

Indulge in a comforting twist on a classic favorite with this Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef. This hearty, plant-based dish combines creamy, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with tender elbow macaroni and savory plant-based ground meat for a flavor-packed, meat-free meal. A luscious cheese sauce infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of ground mustard coats every bite, while a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing casserole, this vegetarian recipe pairs nutritious ingredients with indulgent flavors. Serve it fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of freshness—it’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 250 g plant-based ground meat
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 200 g yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 100 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 300 ml milk
• 50 g butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 50 g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground meat to the skillet, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.

Step 6

Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the ground mustard, salt, and black pepper, then gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and combined.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and the plant-based ground meat mixture in a large bowl, stirring until well combined.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1438.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4010.2

Total Fat 220.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 448.9mg	0%
Sodium 6349.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 341.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.5g
Protein 181.6g	0%

Vitamin D 208.4IU	0%
Calcium 2719.8mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 1672.0mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 33.5%