Go Back
Cheesy Beef Mac and Cheese Bake
Alyssa

Cheesy Beef Mac and Cheese Bake

Dig into Cheesy Beef Mac and Cheese Bake—an indulgent dish featuring tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef: The star ingredient—ground beef is leaner than traditional beef and provides a hearty protein-rich base for the dish.
  • 1 box macaroni: Typically 8 oz this pasta serves as the foundation. Macaroni is favored for its able to hold sauce and pair well with cheese.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This melty cheese adds rich flavor and a gooey texture that makes the dish comforting and delicious.
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cheddar cheese soup: A key ingredient for creaminess, this condensed soup enhances flavor while thickening the overall dish.
  • 1 cup milk: Used to thin the cheese soup and create a silky sauce that envelops the macaroni and beef.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
  3. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 1 box of macaroni until just al dente, typically about 6-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  4. Mix everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained macaroni, 1 can of cheddar cheese soup, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended. The mixture should be creamy and coated well.
  5. Transfer to a dish: Grease a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) with some cooking spray or butter, and transfer the beef and macaroni mixture into the pan. Spread it out evenly.
  6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish for a golden, cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot throughout and the cheese is melted.
  8. Cool and serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables!