Mac N Cheese (w/beef) Recipe
Make Mac N Cheese (w/beef) Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Beef
Toppings (optional)
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to flavor the water.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Preparing the Beef
- 4
Cook Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Drain Excess Fat
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- 6
Melt Butter
In the same skillet used for the beef, melt 4 tbs of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- 7
Add Flour
Once melted, whisk in 1 tbs of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- 8
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- 9
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp onion powder until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- 10
Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked ground beef, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
Optional Topping
- 11
Prepare Topping
If using, mix together 0.5 cups of breadcrumbs and 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 12
Add Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
Baking
- 13
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.