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Beef Mac and Cheese

Beef Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Brown the 1 lb beef and onion with salt, pepper, and paprika in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add the 2 tbsp butter and garlic, then toast the 2 cups pasta for 1 minute until nutty.
  3. Pour in the 2 cups broth and 1 cup milk, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
  4. Turn off the heat and stir in the 2 cups cheddar and 2 oz cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Spoon into bowls and serve hot, adding extra black pepper to taste.

Notes

The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately or keep it warm over the lowest setting. If you’d like a little smoky heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce with the paprika.