cheesy macaroni and beef
Cheesy Macaroni and Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender macaroni pasta with flavorful ground beef and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it's a dish that both kids and adults will love.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 casserole dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef May substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided for mixing in and topping.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it's browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the milk to the beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring until well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Optionally, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Cheesy Macaroni and Beef.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in your favorite vegetables or spices.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, or you can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
You may substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.