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Ground Beef Mac and Cheese

Ground Beef Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 695

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2½ cups beef broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring often, until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in the broth and milk, bring to a boil, then stir in the macaroni. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens, 9 to 11 minutes, stirring once.
  4. Remove from heat, add both cheeses, and stir until fully melted and smooth. Serve hot.

Notes

For the creamiest sauce, use cheese you grate yourself and avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese has melted. If the mac and cheese thickens more than you like while standing, stir in a splash of warm milk.