Some nights, you just want a meal that feels like a hug. This Ground Beef Mac and Cheese Casserole does exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the smell of melted cheese and browned beef, promising a moment of comfort after a long day.
I remember one evening when I was juggling too many things—emails, a distracted kid needing snacks, and a phone call in the background. I started this casserole almost on autopilot, the sound of the sizzling beef barely noticed. Somewhere between stirring the cheesy sauce and draining the pasta, I caught a whiff of that familiar aroma and paused. It wasn’t perfect timing or a fancy setting, but that first cheesy bite made all the chaos feel a little softer. I set the phone down and just ate.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The rich blend of cheeses offers creamy, melty goodness that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- Ground beef adds hearty flavor and texture, making it a full meal in one dish.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort food.
- Leftovers reheat well, though the texture shifts slightly after a day or two, which is a tradeoff for convenience.
It’s okay if you’re not a perfectionist in the kitchen here. This casserole is forgiving, and honestly, a little rustic charm adds to its appeal.
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Ground Beef Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting ground beef mac and cheese casserole combining tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dry mustard powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned ground beef, and cheese sauce. Stir until evenly mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually rely on a standard baking dish and a sturdy skillet—nothing fancy needed to pull this off. It’s great served with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to lighten things up a bit. Sometimes, I swap out mozzarella for pepper jack if I’m feeling a bit adventurous, or sneak in some diced tomatoes for added freshness. I haven’t tested all variations, but you might find adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika brings a new depth to the flavor.
FAQ:
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it the day before and bake when ready, but the sauce thickens as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk before baking.
Is this freezer-friendly? Freezing isn’t recommended since the cheese sauce can separate and get grainy when thawed.
Can I make it without ground beef? Absolutely. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite veggies.
Give this Ground Beef Mac and Cheese Casserole a try next time you need a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and a little bit forgiving. It’s waiting to be that simple joy on your dinner table.