Best 4 Beefy Mac Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey with Beefy Mac, a delectable dish that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and hearty texture. This classic comfort food combines the goodness of ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a symphony of flavors. Alongside the traditional Beefy Mac recipe, this article presents a vegetarian-friendly version, a one-pot rendition for convenience, and a slow-cooker variation for effortless preparation. Each recipe offers unique twists and adaptations, catering to diverse preferences and dietary needs, while staying true to the essence of this beloved dish. From the stovetop to the slow cooker, and with the option of including or omitting meat, these recipes provide a versatile culinary experience, ensuring that everyone can savor the comforting goodness of Beefy Mac.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

BEEFY MAC AND CHEESE

Beefy Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Kosher salt
8 ounces medium pasta shells
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 ounces ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat (1 percent) milk
2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and chili powder and stir until brick red, about 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook, stirring, until browned, 4 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread the mixture in a 3-quart flameproof baking dish. Preheat the broiler. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the milk and reserved cooking water, bring to a simmer and cook, whisking, until thick, 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cheese, the cooked pasta and 3/4 teaspoon salt and stir until the cheese melts. Spread over the beef mixture. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and the breadcrumbs; sprinkle over the pasta mixture and broil until golden. Top with the scallions.

BEEFY MAC

Beefy Mac image

This is a favorite recipe that is similiar in taste to lasagna. I like to use fresh basil and fresh garden onions and peppers. It's very easy to make and it makes a large 9x13 pan which is great to take to a potluck or feed several family members.

Provided by Donna Brown

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 box elbow macaroni (i use whole wheat)
1 - 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
1 lg. or 2 smaller cans crushed tomatoes (3 cups)
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
1-2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin
garlic powder
chopped garlic
1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded monterrey jack or cheddar cheese, your choice
1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 chopped onion (i like to use green onions with tops when i have them, so i'll use 3 or 4 of them, depending on size)
1 chopped bell pepper
olive oil, extra virgin
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown meat in a bit of extra virgin olive oil, along with chopped onions, pepper and garlic; add tomatoes. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Drain pasta, add to baking dish, pour meat mixture over while hot, add mozzarella cheese and some of the other cheese, about 1/2 of it. Mix well. Top with remainder of cheese. Bake until bubbly, about 10-15 minutes. When serving, top with more cheese, if desired. Serve with a salad and some garlic bread, if you like. It's really good left over, too.

BEEFY MAC

Beefy Mac image

Comfort food at its best. Feel free to adjust the amount of maccaroni. We like a lot of pasta, so we use about 20-25 ounces of uncooked maccaroni.

Provided by ASellers36

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 9 cups, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
20 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon garlic salt
3/4 tablespoon celery salt
salt
pepper

Steps:

In a large, deep skillet, cook the ground beef on medium heat, breaking up into small pieces with your spatula. Cook until the beef is rare, or some of the beef bits are still pink. Drain grease.
Start heating the watter for cooking the maccaroni. Let heat up and cook your maccaroni while doing the next steps.
Combine beef and the rest of the ingredients (except maccaroni) and cook in skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Combine cooked meat mixture with maccaroni and mix well in a large container and serve!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 551, Fat 9.4, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 49.1, Sodium 507.8, Carbohydrate 84.4, Fiber 5.3, Sugar 7.6, Protein 30.9

GLORIFIED TOMATO BEEFY MAC'N CHEESE

GLORIFIED TOMATO BEEFY MAC'N CHEESE image

I make this often because it is tasty, easy and quick to prepare. I wanted something a little different from the regular Macaroni and Cheese or "Hamburger Helper" type dish, so I visited my pantry and refrigerator and came up with this dish. This, along with a small salad and rolls made a great meal. My lady friends enjoy it....

Provided by Pat Morris

Categories Beef

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 large vidalia (or other sweet) onion, chopped
1 can(s) diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1 can(s) ro-tel tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces);i use chunky, but you can use original, mild or hot
1 box macaroni & cheese dinner (7.25 ounces)
1 Tbsp ketchup
1-2 dash(es) hot sauce (optional)
TOPPING (OPTIONAL): SLICED TOMATOES AND 1/2 CUP GRATED CHEESE

Steps:

1. Gather all ingredients for the recipe.
2. In a medium large saucepan, bring 6 cups salted water to a boil. Empty the macaroni into the boiling water (Set cheese packet aside.). Cook for 5-7 minutes (til "Al dente". Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, spray a large frying pan with Pam and add the beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is brown. Remove any greese from the pan.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes and can of Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies to the beef and onions. Stir well and add the Ketchup and hot sauce (if desired). Turn heat down to medium and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Add cheese packet and stir until blended well. Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix well. Heat through about 3-4 minutes.
6. Spoon the glorified Tomato Beefy Mac'N Cheese into a serving dish. Before serving, top with grated cheese and fresh tomato slices, if desired. Enjoy!
7. ** I make a couple of hamburger patties or a small meatlof with the other half-pound of ground beef.

Tips:

Use a large pot to cook the pasta, as it will expand during cooking.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but drain it a minute or two before it is fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Use a good quality ground beef for the best flavor.
Brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
Drain the grease from the ground beef before adding it to the sauce.
Use a variety of vegetables in the sauce, such as onions, peppers, and carrots.
Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
Serve the beefy mac with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread.

Conclusion:

Beefy mac is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover ground beef. With its flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, beefy mac is sure to be a hit with the whole family.