Here’s a comforting, cheesy classic: Cheesy Beef Macaroni 🧀🥩🍝 — hearty, creamy, and perfect for dinner.
Cheesy Beef Macaroni
Servings: 4
Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- ½ cup milk (for creamier sauce)
- 1–2 tbsp butter or oil
Optional toppings
- Bread crumbs
- Fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook beef
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, and chili powder. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta & cheese
- Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta, milk, and 1½ cups cheese. Stir until creamy and cheese melts.
- Serve
- Sprinkle remaining cheese or breadcrumbs on top. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or more milk.
- Veggie boost: Add peas, diced bell peppers, or corn to the beef mixture.
- Baked version: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheese & breadcrumbs, bake 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
I can also give you a one-pan stovetop version that’s ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
