Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake

There’s something about a bubbling casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni, melted cheese, and savory beef that feels like home.

My Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake combines two all-time favorites — classic mac and cheese and hearty ground beef — into one comforting, ultra-satisfying meal.

It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you’re craving comfort food heaven.

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Recipe Highlights

This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser — imagine layers of tender macaroni coated in creamy cheese sauce, topped with seasoned ground beef, and baked until golden and bubbly.

Each bite hits with cheesy richness, savory depth, and a little crunch from the baked topping. It’s simple to make but tastes like a diner-style indulgence.

Highlights:

• Ultra-creamy homemade cheese sauce with real cheddar
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• Savory seasoned beef is folded into every bite
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• Family-friendly dinner ready in under an hour
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• Easy to prep ahead and reheat for leftovers
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• Perfectly photogenic — cheesy, golden, and irresistible

Hearty Mac & Cheese Bake with Beef

This Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy cheese and savory ground beef.

Featuring tender elbow macaroni, the dish is enhanced with a blend of spices and a golden crust that makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

With common ingredients like diced yellow onion and minced garlic, this recipe is straightforward and allows for customization with your favorite toppings or spices.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The foundation of this baked mac and cheese lies in its ingredients.

Starting with 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni, the dish is complemented by 1 pound of ground beef (80/20) that adds a hearty texture.

To build flavor, diced yellow onion and minced garlic are sautéed to perfection, while all-purpose flour and butter create a creamy cheese sauce.

Whole milk contributes to the richness, and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (divided) ensures a gooey, cheesy experience.

Finally, a sprinkle of paprika adds a subtle warmth, and sliced green onions serve as a fresh garnish.

Ingredient Notes

• Elbow Macaroni (2 cups dry): The classic base for creamy baked mac and cheese; holds sauce beautifully.
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• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 for flavor and moisture balance — seasoned and browned for depth.
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• Cheddar Cheese (3 cups shredded): Freshly grated sharp cheddar provides rich flavor and perfect melt.
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• Milk (2 cups): Whole milk gives the sauce creaminess and body.
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• Butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for making the roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
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• All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps the cheese sauce bind and stay creamy.
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• Yellow Onion (½ cup diced): Adds sweetness and complexity to the beef layer.
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• Garlic (2 cloves minced): Infuses the sauce with rich, aromatic depth.
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• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and subtle smokiness.
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• Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste; balances the flavors of the cheese and beef.
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• Green Onions (2 tablespoons sliced): A fresh garnish for color and mild zest.

How to Make My Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté until the onion softens. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
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3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and creamy.
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4. Combine and Assemble: Stir the cooked pasta and half the cheese sauce together in a large bowl. Fold in the beef mixture. Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cheddar.
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5. Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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6. Finish: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm for maximum cheesy satisfaction.

Preparation Steps for a Comforting Meal

Preparing this dish is a delightful process that results in a satisfying meal.

Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, draining any excess fat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Once the beef mixture is ready, it’s time to create the cheese sauce.

Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw taste.

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with paprika, stirring until melted and smooth.

Bringing It All Together

Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well mixed.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving and Enjoying the Dish

Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

This Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings everyone together around the table.

Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad
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• Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans
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• Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
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• A cold glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade

Tips for the Best Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese Bake

For the creamiest texture, don’t overbake — just long enough to get that golden-brown top. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

If you prefer a little spice, stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed bacon or buttered breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.

To keep it creamy, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.