Description
A delicious and hearty Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta) – 3 cups (uncooked)
- Salt – To boil pasta
- Ground beef – 1 lb (450g)
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 small
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Beef broth or water – 1/2 cup
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt & black pepper – To taste
- Butter – 3 tbsp
- All-purpose flour – 3 tbsp
- Milk – 2.5 cups
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Additional shredded cheddar – 1 to 1.5 cups
- Fresh parsley – For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth and simmer 5 minutes until juicy but slightly thickened.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Cook until slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth. Season lightly with salt & pepper.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. In a baking dish, spread half of the macaroni, spoon all of the beef mixture on top, add the rest of the macaroni, and pour the cheese sauce evenly over everything. Top with extra cheddar.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before slicing (helps set the layers).
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg