Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Bake! This delightful dish combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the creamy richness of Velveeta cheese, all enveloped in perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. A childhood favorite, this updated version allows you to enjoy the familiar taste of cheeseburgers in a warm, cheesy pasta bake that’s sure to please the whole family. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this one-dish meal requires minimal prep and cleanup. Dive into a plate of this deliciousness and savor the warmth with every bite!
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Water
2 3/4 cups (none)
Ketchup
1/3 cup (none)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Velveeta Cheese
12 ounces (cut into cubes)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
2
Add the water, ketchup, and onion powder to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
3
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and creamy, ensuring all the macaroni is well coated.
6
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Bake!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Bake?
It is a comfort food dish that combines seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and creamy Velveeta cheese into a savory one-dish meal.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef.
What type of cheese is used in this macaroni bake?
This recipe uses 12 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes for easy melting.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the skillet?
No, the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni are added uncooked and simmered directly in the skillet with the other ingredients.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 3/4 cups of water to cook the macaroni.
What seasonings are added to the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 1/3 cup of ketchup and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is designed as a quick one-dish meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
How long does the macaroni need to simmer?
The macaroni should simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is tender.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the ground beef, you should drain the excess fat before adding other ingredients.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the Velveeta with other cheese?
While Velveeta provides the signature creamy texture, you could use a processed cheese sauce or cheddar, though the consistency may change.
What is the main category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided indicates the fiber content is null.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The nutritional data lists sugar as null, though there may be trace amounts from the ketchup.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a childhood favorite designed to please the whole family with its cheeseburger-like flavor.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Yes, feel free to add salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
What should the heat be set to for browning the beef?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat.
What do I do after the macaroni is tender?
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until melted and creamy.
How much ketchup is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of ketchup.
How much onion powder is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheeseburger, macaroni and cheese, one dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, and ground beef.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?
Cutting the Velveeta into cubes before adding it to the hot macaroni will help it melt quickly and evenly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a mild and savory dish, but you can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, shells or rotini would also work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What makes this a 'bake' if it is made in a skillet?
While primarily a stovetop 'one-pot' recipe, it is often referred to as a bake due to its similarity to traditional cheesy pasta bakes.