If you’re searching for ground beef recipes for dinner easy, this Minced Beef Mac and Cheese is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a velvety cheddar sauce, studded with savory browned beef and kissed with warm spices. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes.
This homemade version tastes like the beloved boxed dinners you grew up with, but better. Real cheese melts into the sauce, fresh spices bloom in every bite, and everything cooks in one pot for effortless cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
When you need ground beef recipes for dinner that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss, this dish checks every box. The beef adds rich, savory depth while the sharp cheddar creates that irresistible creamy coating everyone craves.
It’s a true one-pot wonder—the pasta cooks directly in the beef and broth mixture, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Plus, kids devour this cheesy masterpiece without complaint, making it a family dinner MVP.
Minced Beef Mac and Cheese Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works beautifully)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups whole milk
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness when you’re ready to serve. Grating your own cheese is key—it melts smoother and creates that luxurious, creamy texture you’re after.
How to Make Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is deeply browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
2. Build the Base: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, milk, and uncooked macaroni, stirring to combine.
3. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Remove from heat completely. Add the freshly grated cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring continuously until it melts into a silky, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Tips for the Best Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
Watch Your Pasta Timing: Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark. The pasta will continue to soften in the residual heat, and you want it al dente when you add the cheese.
Always Grate Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose and potato starch to prevent clumping, which makes your sauce grainy instead of smooth. Grating a block of sharp cheddar takes two extra minutes and makes all the difference.
Stir Frequently: Give the pot a good stir every few minutes while simmering. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking throughout.
Minced Beef Mac and Cheese Variations
Looking for ground beef recipes easy to customize? This base recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes creative twists.
Chili Mac Style: Stir in a 14.5-oz can of petite diced tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of chili powder when you add the liquids. You’ll get a spicy, tangy version that tastes like your favorite chili met mac and cheese.
Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese or sour cream right before adding the cheddar. It creates an ultra-velvety texture that coats your spoon.
Sneak in Veggies: Add 1 cup of frozen peas or small broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of simmering. They’ll cook through perfectly and add color, nutrients, and a subtle sweetness.
What to Serve with Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
This Minced Beef Mac and Cheese is hearty enough to stand alone, but these sides round out the meal beautifully.
Steamed green beans with a pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. A simple garden salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness with bright acidity. And of course, warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that cheese sauce.
Minced Beef Mac and Cheese FAQs
Can I use water instead of beef broth? Yes, but you’ll sacrifice a lot of flavor. The beef broth adds savory depth that makes this dish truly special. If you must use water, add an extra teaspoon of onion powder and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.
Can I freeze Minced Beef Mac and Cheese? Pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Is this Minced Beef Mac and Cheese spicy? Not at all—the spices add warmth and depth, not heat. It’s perfectly mild for sensitive palates and picky eaters. If you like a kick, shake in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes at the table.
Final Thoughts on Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
This Minced Beef Mac and Cheese is the ultimate nostalgia meal—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. When you need ground beef recipes for dinner easy fast, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in half an hour.
The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and that glossy cheddar sauce creates the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Make it tonight, and watch it become a regular rotation in your dinner lineup.
Ready to dig in? Grab your Dutch oven and get cooking—your new favorite weeknight dinner awaits!
Minced Beef Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- large skillet or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onion until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Add spices, broth, milk, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well.
- Simmer covered until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
- Rest briefly, garnish, and serve.