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Macaroni and Beef Recipe

Macaroni and Beef Recipe

Macaroni cooked with ground beef in a cheese sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or Frypan
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Chili Flakes
  • 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 Cups Milk
  • 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 Cup Cheese shredded
  • 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Cook the macaroni following the package instructions, until softened (al-dente). Drain, and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or fry pan. then add the ground beef. Cook on high heat until browned, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  • Next add the paprika, oregano, and chili flakes, mix well and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Then remove the meat and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat, then stir in the flour and cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly add the milk stirring constantly, and cook on low to medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is thick and smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste and stir in.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese and stir until all the cheese is melted.
  • Add the drained macaroni and the ground beef to the cheese sauce and stir well until all the macaroni is covered.
  • To make the topping, mix the breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan, oregano, and olive oil together in a mixing bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
  • Place under a broiler or grill for 3-6 minutes until toasted and brown.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side of green salad.

Notes

VARIATIONS

  • Bacon: Top with crumbled bacon or mix some in with the ground beef before baking.
  • Meat: Substitute ground beef for turkey, pork, chicken, fish, or tofu.
  • Vegetables: Use any vegetables to hand such as cauliflower, broccoli, or green beans.
  • Pasta: Try it with penne, tagliatelle, fusilli (twirly pasta) or farfalle (bow tie pasta).
  • Spice: Add a bit more spice, like paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger.
  • Seeds: Add in some seeds such as Chia Seeds or Flaxseed for extra healthiness.
Keyword Macaroni and Beef