Creamy One-Pot Beefy Mac and Cheese
A quick and easy one-pot mac and cheese with ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni (whole wheat optional)
- 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk (2% milk can be used)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (340g), mix with Monterey Jack if desired
- 1 tsp (2g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (1g) garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- Optional: 1/2 tsp (1g) mustard powder
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if desired and set beef aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly with a whisk or spoon for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Slowly pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine smoothly. Add elbow macaroni, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder if using, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
- Return browned beef to the pot. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing it to melt fully before adding more. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken and meld flavors. Serve warm.
Notes
If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. If too runny, simmer a bit longer. Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Browning beef well adds flavor depth. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per s
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: one-pot, mac and cheese, beef, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, quick recipe