• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Main Course
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Appetizers
    • Low Carb and Keto
  • Kitchen Product Reviews
  • This for That
My Kitchen Serenity
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Main Course
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Dips and Appetizers
  • Low Carb and Keto
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
  • ×
    Home » Main Course » Beefy Mac and Cheese

    Beefy Mac and Cheese

    Published: Jul 26, 2023 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin for Beefy Mac and Cheese.

    This Beefy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo! It comes together when creamy cheesy mac and cheese meets hearty ground beef with tangy tomato sauce, and a dash of sour cream for that extra dose of yum!

    If you've got one pan, a strainer, and 20 minutes, then you've got yourself a tasty meal! Just cook some ground beef and onion, toss in cooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, sour cream, garlic, seasonings, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese! Now, wasn't that easy?

    Cooked hamburger mac and cheese in skillet.

    Why You'll Love Mac and Cheese with Meat

    Everybody loves Mac and Cheese! But what happens when you add ground beef? It elevates this classic dish into a hearty and satisfying meal that busy parents and hungry kids will go wild about.

    Easy stovetop method. No need to heat up the oven for this one! You'll thank me if you're making this on a hot summer day 🙂

    Some of you might be reminiscing about eating Hamburger Helper as a kid; this recipe is sort of like Hamburger Helper but way better!! It's a fresher, cleaner version of an old-fashioned classic.

    What Goes In It

    Let's talk about the ingredients for this beefy mac and cheese recipe:

    Ingredients measured out in individual containers.

    Elbow macaroni - to start the recipe, cook the pasta al dente, drain it, and let it sit in a colander or pasta strainer while you proceed with the rest of the recipe.

    Ground Beef - use lean ground beef such as 90/10; if using anything lower than 90/10 be sure to drain off the grease after you brown it. While cooking the ground beef, use your spatula to break it up into small pieces.

    Yellow onion - use mini food chopper to chop or mince the onion; it's the fastest, easiest way to chop an onion (with almost no tears, haha).

    Cheddar cheese - you can use mild or sharp cheddar cheese (sharp will definitely add more flavor punch). Shred your own cheese for the best flavor and texture. It only takes a couple of minutes to do it and worth the extra effort.

    Tomato sauce - adds a delightful tanginess to the beefy mac and cheese, balancing the richness of the ground beef and cheese. Love it!

    Sour cream - by adding just a half cup of sour cream, you'll love how creamy it makes the casserole and it helps to bind all the flavors together. It's a nice touch to the recipe!

    Montreal Steak Seasoning - known for its bold and savory taste, it enhances the overall flavor of this dish. Plus, its a convenient way to add a variety of flavors in one step. I use it on a regular basis!

    Additional seasonings - for added flavor (because that's what we all really want, right?), I like to also add garlic powder, pepper, and a little salt.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Choose your favorite pasta: penne, shells, or twists.
    • Instead of ground beef, try ground chicken, turkey, or venison.
    • Swap out the cheddar cheese with pepper jack
    • Use a teaspoon of onion powder instead of fresh onion.
    • Greek yogurt is a good replacement for sour cream.

    Recipe Variations

    • Add a 10-oz can of Rotel tomatoes for a nice flavor blast.
    • Use 2-4 teaspoons of chili powder (or taco seasoning) to add a touch of spice.
    • Add more veggies - saute a small amount of chopped bell pepper and celery with the onions. Or add a cup of shredded carrots or a handful of fresh baby spinach.

    How to Make Beefy Mac and Cheese

    You'll love the simplicity of it!

    Cooked macaroni in pasta strainer.
    Step 1 - cook the macaroni.
    Cooked ground beef and onion in skillet.
    Step 2 - cook the ground meat and onion.
    Tomato sauce, sour cream, and seasonings added to meat mixture in skillet.
    Step 3 - add the tomato sauce, sour cream, and seasonings to the pan.
    Cooked macaroni added to meat mixture in skillet.
    Step 4 - add the macaroni to the pan.
    Cheese added to meat mixture in skillet.
    Step 5 - add the cheese!
    Completed beefy mac and cheese in skillet.
    Step 6 - garnish with fresh chopped parsley!

    What to Serve With It

    Mac and Cheese with Meat can be served all by itself, but you can add a side or two to stretch the meal further. Heck you can even place a scoop of it between two slices of toasted garlic bread (yeah, I went there!). Here are a few more side dish suggestions:

    • Simple green salad
    • Seasoned green beans
    • Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
    • Creamy Shoe Peg Corn Salad

    Recipe Tips

    • Choose a pasta that will "hold on" to the beefy cheese mixture such as elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, penne, etc.
    • Cook the pasta al dente, which means removing the pasta from the boiling water before it gets tender. It will, however, get tender while it sits in a pasta strainer or colander until you need it.
    • Flavor is everything! So be sure to taste test the beefy mac and cheese mixture before serving it.

    Experiment with Toppings

    Feeling adventurous? As a final step, top the beefy mac and cheese with cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeno peppers, or buttered and toasted breadcrumbs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of ground beef should I use for beefy mac and cheese?

    Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) will result in a lower-fat dish, while higher-fat ground beef (80% lean) can add more flavor and richness. The choice depends on what you typically like to use.

    Can I make beefy mac and cheese ahead of time?

    If you want to get a jump start on this recipe and finish it later, I suggest cooking the meat mixture (steps 2 and 3) then letting it cool off completely. Cover and refrigerate it for 1-2 days. Then when you're ready to finish the recipe, cook and drain the pasta. Combine the hot pasta with the meat mixture in a pan over medium heat. Add half the cheese, stir well, and add the remaining cheese. Stir until blended and cheese is melted. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

    Can you freeze it?

    Freezer Meal - If you want to make the entire dish and freeze it for later, it's really important to undercook the pasta since it can get a little mushy after freezing it and thawing it. I suggest cooking the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Proceed with the recipe directions as is, let it cool, then pop into the freezer in an airtight container. Label it with the date and enjoy within 3 months.

    Storing and Reheating

    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The fastest way to reheat beefy mac and cheese is in the microwave. Place a serving on a plate and cover it with another plate. Heat on 50% power for 1 minute, stir, and reheat again at 50% power for another minute, if needed.

    Cooked hamburger mac and cheese in skillet.

    More Easy Ground Beef Recipes

    • Baked casserole in a cast iron skillet.
      Sour Cream Noodle Bake
    • baked casserole in white rectangular dish. Topped with avocado slices and dollop of sour cream. One serving missing from casserole.
      Layered Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • Baked casserole in square metal pan with scoop removed from corner.
      Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
    • Baked meatloaf on wooden platter with a few slices revealed. Meatloaf sauce on top and running down the sides a little.
      Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

    If you'd like more easy recipes sent straight to your email, subscribe and get a free 5-day meal plan! How easy is that!

    Recipe

    Skillet beefy mac and cheese

    Beefy Mac and Cheese

    Mac and Cheese with Meat is the ultimate comfort food combo! It comes together when creamy cheesy mac and cheese meets hearty ground beef, with tangy tomato sauce and sour cream, and a dash of sour cream for that extra dose of yum!
    4.50 from 10 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dinner, Entree, ground beef, hamburger, pasta
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 627kcal
    Author: Anne Clark | My Kitchen Serenity

    Equipment

    • large skillet or pan
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons
    • cheese grater
    • pasta strainer or colander

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound elbow macaroni (dry)
    • 1 pound extra lean ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup chopped onions (use less onions, if desired)
    • 15 ounces tomato sauce adds a tangy tomato flavor
    • ½ cup sour cream adds creamy texture and tangy flavor
    • 1 sprig fresh parsley, chopped (see instructions for measurements)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt adjust salt to your liking
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning (a blend of garlic, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper flakes, dill seed, and salt.) Omit if you want to. You may need to add additional salt and pepper so please do a taste test and adjust accordingly!
    • 8 ounces block cheddar cheese, shredded (you will shred the cheese yourself)
    • Notes: If you don't like tomato sauce, it can be omitted, however, something else needs to take its place to keep the mac and cheese from drying out: try about ½ cup of beef broth, chicken broth, or even whole milk. Stir and add more to get the right consistency.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cook the macaroni per the package directions. Try not to overcook the pasta (al dente is recommended). Drain in a colander.
    • While the macaroni is cooking, place the olive oil, ground beef, and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook it until it's no longer pink and the onions are tender. Drain off any fat (there probably won't be much to drain if you use extra lean ground beef).
    • Add the tomato sauce, sour cream, 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and steak seasoning. Stir to combine; simmer on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Taste test; add more seasoning, if desired.
    • Add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture, and stir to combine.
    • Return the skillet to the heat. Add half the shredded cheese and stir well. Then add the remaining cheese, and stir again until the cheese is melted. Turn off the heat. Do a final taste test and add more seasoning, if needed to suit your taste.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with a simple green salad.

    Notes

    Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) will result in a lower-fat dish, while higher-fat ground beef (80% lean) can add more flavor and richness. The choice depends on what you typically like to use.   If you use a higher fat ground beef, you can omit the olive oil.
    Substitutions
      • Choose your favorite pasta: penne, shells, or twists.
      • Instead of ground beef, try ground chicken, turkey, or venison.
      • Swap out the cheddar cheese with pepper jack
      • Use a teaspoon of onion powder instead of fresh onion.
      • Greek yogurt is a good replacement for sour cream.
    Make Ahead Instructions - If you want to get a jump start on this recipe and finish it later, I suggest cooking the meat mixture (steps 2 and 3) then letting it cool off completely. Cover and refrigerate it for 1-2 days. Then when you're ready to finish the recipe, cook and drain the pasta. Combine the hot pasta with the meat mixture in a pan over medium heat. Add half the cheese, stir well, and add the remaining cheese. Stir until blended and cheese is melted. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
    Freezer Meal Instructions - If you want to make the entire dish and freeze it for later, it's really important to undercook the pasta since it can get a little mushy after freezing it and thawing it. I suggest cooking the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Proceed with the recipe directions as is (Steps 2-5), let it cool, then pop into the freezer in an airtight container. Label it with the date and enjoy within 3 months.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 627kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1033mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 829IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Southern Cornbread Dressing
    Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cristian Martinez

      May 28, 2025 at 6:48 pm

      I wish you would leave a serving size for this recipe. Just leaving calories and all nutritions don’t help when you don’t know the serving size

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        May 29, 2025 at 8:35 am

        Hi Cristian! Thanks for your question. The software used to calculate the nutritional info takes the total recipe and divides it into 6 servings. Since this recipe makes approximately 64 ounces total, each of the 6 servings comes out to around 10.8 ounces. Keep in mind it may vary a bit depending on how you portion it out, but that’s a good estimate. Hope that helps! If you have any more question, let me know!

        Reply
    2. Olivia

      July 14, 2025 at 10:19 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, easy to follow and makes for great leftovers!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        July 15, 2025 at 10:13 am

        Yay, Olivia! I'm so happy you liked the recipe! Thank you for letting me know and leaving 5 stars!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    4.50 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • One square slice of Mississippi Mud Cake on a white plate with a fork.
      Mississippi Mud Cake
    • Cooked Cajun spaghetti on white plate with two slices of buttered French bread on the side.
      Cajun Sausage Spaghetti
    • Baked cookies piled high in a large, black bowl.
      Homestyle Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies
    • Baked and sliced meatloaf on a white serving platter.
      Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Overhead view of a bowl of etoufee with white rice. Sliced green onions for garnish. With sliced, toasted French bread in the background.
      Cajun Crawfish Etouffee
    • Easy Lemon Lush Dessert
    • One cooked and seasoned pork chop with a pat of butter on top on a white serving plate.
      Easy Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops
    • Baked meatball sliders on white serving platter.
      Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Footer

    collage of all featured articles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    335 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.