Mac and Beef Recipe

Today I’m sharing my easy Mac and Beef Recipe with you! It’s all about teaching our kids and grandkids how to cook from scratch.

Most of the ingredients are hopefully in your pantry or freezer. If you use some meat, the other items may be in your pantry and refrigerator. Life is good if we can make a meal in 45 minutes or less.

No grocery shopping is required because we stock our home with food items we use often. In case you missed this post, The Best-Baked Mac And Cheese

Items You May Need In The Kitchen:

• Frying Pan or Cast Iron Pan
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Colander

Mac and Beef Recipe

Step One: Gather Ingredients

As always, gather your ingredients so you are ready to go in making the recipe.

Step Two: Cook Beef & Onions

Grab a large frying pan and cook the onions with the ground beef until cooked through and beef is brown. Drain any excess fat.

Step Three: Stir Often

Make sure the ground beef and onions are totally cooked through by stirring often.

Step Four: Boil Macaroni

Boil the macaroni, drain and set aside.

Step Five: Combine All Ingredients

Combine all of the ingredients together and heat through.

Finished Product

Let the cheese melt and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy.

How do I store it after cooking?

I’d suggest putting the leftovers in plastic bags or airtight containers. Should be good in your fridge for at least 3-4 days, to be safe.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Sure, you can freeze the leftovers, just like you can most casseroles. It should last for 2-3 months. Take it out 25-30 minutes before you plan to prepare dinner and then reheat in your oven or microwave. If you want it to cook faster, thaw it in the refrigerator the night before.

Besides beef, are there other meats or add ons I can use?

Many recipes for mac and cheese don’t call for any meat, but don’t be afraid to try chicken, bacon bits, taco meat, pork, ground turkey, or cut-up hot dogs, etc. Another favorite of ours is to add jalapeno jelly to the sauce. We also like most any brand of salsa to be added. Just use as much as needed to achieve the added flavor you want.

You can also use different types of spices and herbs. Parsley flakes seem to show up in a number of recipes I’ve seen. Another item often found would be peas. You might want to add them towards the end of the cooking cycle so they don’t break apart.

Is there any other cheese variety I should try?

Hey, you can try just about any brand or variety of cheese your family likes. I’ve seen Colby, mozzarella, cheddars of all types, American, and others. Growing up, the most common cheese my mom used was Velveeta. We loved her mac and cheese so much!

Is there any secret to making the recipe more creamy?

There are a number of things you can try to achieve a more creamy texture in your recipe. You can add whole milk, sour cream, or plain yogurt, for starters. Some people will add some flour to change the texture too.

Are there other ways to cook this recipe?

Like so many other types of casserole recipes, you can try all sorts of approaches to cooking this. I’ve heard of people using the traditional approach of a pot on the stovetop, along with baking it in the oven, using a slow cooker that can be started early in the day, and even frying it in a frying pan.

Of course, each approach can influence the flavor, texture, and overall appearance of the end result. Give each one a try and see how you like them. I’d also love to hear about your journey so I can share it with my readers.

Can I use other types of pasta noodles and get good results?

The type of noodle really doesn’t matter, as long as you make sure they are prepared properly, and that includes being cooked all the way through. I’ve tried different varieties of noodles and found the end results were equally flavorful. I would suggest you stay with smaller versions of noodles so the kids have an easier time eating them with their small mouths.

Can I make this recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can, you would have to use Gluten-Free pasta and Gluten-Free tomato soup.

Final Word

I’ve learned I get more enjoyment from my cooking when I try new things or change up the old standby meals. That’s why I chose to make this mac and beef today. As shown above, there are so many ways to fix mac and cheese it can be fun to try a bunch of recipes and let your family choose which version they like the most.

Don’t be afraid to let other family members jump in and learn too. It can be a treat to have others help out and learn as they go. We need to teach our kids to feel comfortable in the kitchen, and a meal like this is a natural one to make. May God bless this world. Linda