Western Macaroni and Cheese Dinner

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Western Macaroni and Cheese Dinner! This cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with savory ground beef, sautéed onions, and vibrant red and green bell peppers for a Tex-Mex-inspired twist on classic comfort food. The homemade cheese sauce, packed with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, is elevated by smoky paprika and a hint of chili powder, creating a bold yet balanced flavor profile. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy families and offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve it hot for the ultimate comfort dish that’s sure to delight! Keywords: Western Macaroni and Cheese, Tex-Mex mac and cheese, cheesy pasta dinner, easy one-pot meal, ground beef pasta bake.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the ground beef back to the skillet along with the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and ground beef mixture in a large serving dish. Mix thoroughly to coat the macaroni in the sauce.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2031.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4267.0

Total Fat 226.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 120.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 769.2mg	0%
Sodium 5092.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 335.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 48.7g
Protein 231.5g	0%

Vitamin D 238.7IU	0%
Calcium 3149.5mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 2705.0mg	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: 47.3%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 31.2%