Tomato Beef Mac and Cheese
This Tomato Beef Mac and Cheese combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and ultra-creamy cheddar cheese sauce into one bold, comforting dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the ultimate weeknight comfort food the whole family will love.
Equipment
- large pot for pasta
- large skillet or dutch oven
- saucepan for cheese sauce
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to brown.
- Break up beef and cook until fully browned. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until darkened slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk. Cook 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar in three additions until smooth. Add mustard powder if using.
- Add pasta to tomato beef mixture and cook 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour cheese sauce over pasta mixture and fold gently until fully coated. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese before serving.
Notes
Cook the tomato paste in the beef fat until it darkens slightly to deepen flavor. Always use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce. Finish with a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness.