Dinner

Loaded Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef Recipe

BySophie Carsel March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Introduction

This Loaded Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is a hearty twist on a classic comfort dish. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets savory spiced beef for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

The dish is a creamy macaroni and ground beef mix served in a round black skillet. The top layer shows small curly macaroni noodles in a pale yellow creamy sauce, mixed evenly with small brown pieces of ground beef throughout. The texture looks smooth and thick, with some bubbling on the sides, showing it is hot and fresh. The skillet has a handle on the right side and is placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft background showing a checkered cloth and some green leaves blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ pound elbow macaroni
¼ cup salted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the macaroni cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until no longer pink.
Step 3: Drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the heat. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 5: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the parmesan and cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni and seasoned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile.
Mix in cooked vegetables like peas or spinach to add color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with creamy macaroni and ground beef mixture. The dish has one main layer visible, which is made up of small, curved macaroni pasta cooked in a thick, light orange cheese sauce with browned ground beef pieces evenly mixed throughout. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with soft, blurred kitchen items like a checkered towel and garlic bulb in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with shells, penne, or any small pasta shape you prefer.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to a day in advance, then reheat thoroughly before serving. You might want to add a little extra milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.