Go Back
–+ servings
Loaded Mac & Cheese with Ground Beef in a blue bowl on a distressed wood background.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Loaded Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Everyone's favorite comfort food, but with delicious ground beef added to the mix! This creamy loaded mac and cheese makes the perfect main dish. The whole family will love it!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 861kcal

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling

  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Macaroni and Cheese

  • ½ pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the macaroni per package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • While the macaroni cooks, prepare the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking up as you cook, until it is done, no longer pink.
  • Once done, drain, then return to burner and stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder. Set aside.
  • To make the cheese sauce: melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir until combined. Let cook about 1 minute.
  • Slowly stir in the milk, and mix until combined. Then add the parmesan and cheddar cheese and mix until cheese is melted and combined into sauce.
  • Add macaroni noodles and beef into the cheese sauce and mix to combine.

Notes

Substitutions: 
  • Elbow macaroni: Can substitute small shells or penne. 
How to Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. 
How to Freeze: This Loaded Mac & Cheese recipe freezes well. It can be frozen after cooking. See “freezer meal instructions” section in the original post for full instructions.
How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments (stir in between heating), or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat. 
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions. 

Nutrition

Calories: 861kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 1043mg | Potassium: 877mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1389IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 697mg | Iron: 4mg