Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy and satisfying that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration. This Creamy Beef and Macaroni recipe is not just another pasta dish – it's a hearty, luxurious meal that combines the rich, savory goodness of ground beef with the smooth, velvety embrace of heavy cream and melted cheddar. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Macaroni pasta
- Heavy cream
- Onion, chopped
- Cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ground beef, macaroni pasta, heavy cream, chopped onion, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then add the macaroni pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion with the beef for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients, allowing the cream to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and cream mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Gradually add the cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy beef and macaroni warm, garnished with extra cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to ensure a richer taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente texture, as the pasta will continue to absorb the creamy sauce after mixing.
- Grate your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly and provides a more authentic flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta water. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef while cooking.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to fully develop.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to add vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
