Ultimate Layered Mac 'n Cheese with Savory Ground Beef
Indulge in this comforting and decadent Ultimate Layered Mac 'n Cheese with Savory Ground Beef, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish features a delightful blend of creamy sharp cheddar cheese and tender ground beef, all nestled between layers of perfectly cooked macaroni. For a twist, feel free to experiment with penne or rotini pasta in place of traditional elbow macaroni, and consider substituting Swiss cheese and a dash of ground nutmeg to elevate the flavors to new heights. Topped with golden breadcrumbs, this baked casserole brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
cayenne pepper
1 dash
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
milk
2 1/2 cups (whole or low-fat)
sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
soft breadcrumbs
1 cup (approximately 2 slices of bread)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and minced garlic. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If desired, drain excess fat.
5
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling, ensuring you continuously stir.
6
Gradually stir in the milk, cooking for about 5-6 minutes while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
7
Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, ground nutmeg, and a dash of cayenne to the sauce; mix well.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture until evenly combined.
10
In the prepared casserole dish, spoon in 1/3 of the macaroni and cheese mixture (approximately 1 1/3 cups), followed by half of the cooked beef (about 1 1/2 cups).
11
Repeat the layering process: add another 1/3 of the macaroni mixture, then the remaining beef, and finally top with the remaining macaroni mixture.
12
Sprinkle the soft breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
13
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Layered Mac 'n Cheese with Savory Ground Beef?
It is a comforting and decadent baked casserole that features creamy sharp cheddar cheese, tender ground beef, and layered macaroni.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, but you can also experiment with penne or rotini pasta.
Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese and add a dash of ground nutmeg to elevate and change the flavor profile.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of lean ground beef, which should be cooked and drained.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
How do I season the ground beef?
Cook the beef with 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The beef should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.
How do I make the cheese sauce base?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for 1 minute until bubbling.
What kind of milk works best for the sauce?
You can use 2 1/2 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
How long do I cook the milk and flour mixture?
Stir constantly for about 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
What spices are added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
When do I add the cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth.
How do I combine the pasta and cheese?
Gently fold the cooked and drained macaroni into the prepared cheese mixture until evenly combined.
How many layers of macaroni are in the dish?
There are three layers of macaroni and cheese mixture.
How many layers of beef are in the dish?
There are two layers of cooked ground beef sandwiched between the macaroni layers.
What is the exact layering sequence?
Start with 1/3 of the macaroni, then half the beef, another 1/3 of the macaroni, the rest of the beef, and finally the remaining macaroni.
What is the topping for this casserole?
The dish is topped with 1 cup of soft breadcrumbs, which is roughly equivalent to 2 slices of bread.
How long should I bake the Mac 'n Cheese?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is ready?
The casserole is done when the breadcrumb topping turns a golden brown.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?
The recipe suggests soft breadcrumbs, but you could use other varieties for different textures.
Does the recipe contain any heat?
It contains a dash of cayenne pepper and some black pepper for a very subtle kick.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Is the nutmeg fresh or ground?
The ingredients list specifies 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ground nutmeg.
What is the purpose of the roux?
The butter and flour roux acts as a thickener for the milk to create the creamy cheese sauce.
How much macaroni goes in the first layer?
Approximately 1 1/3 cups of the macaroni and cheese mixture is used for the first layer.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake the casserole uncovered.
What size dish do I need for this recipe?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for these quantities.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.