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Satisfy your cravings with this Cheesy Beef and Mac Stack! This dish combines a juicy beef patty topped with a creamy cheese sauce, all resting on a bed of rich, cheesy macaroni. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner, delivering all the flavors you love in one delicious stack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Mac Stack is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With layers of cheesy goodness and hearty beef, it checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!
- Comfort Food Heaven: A satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
- Easy to Prepare: Quick and simple recipe for busy nights.
- Make Ahead: Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Mac Stack
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
- To assemble, place a generous scoop of the cheesy macaroni on a plate. Top with a beef patty and drizzle additional cheese sauce on top.
- If desired, sprinkle diced tomatoes and chopped green onions for extra flavor and garnish.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce that melts better.
- Don’t overcook the beef; aim for a juicy patty by cooking it to medium doneness (160°F).
- Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Easy Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor kick.
- Spice it up by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
- Steamed vegetables for a colorful side.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, then add cheese until melted.
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce.
- Assemble by layering macaroni, beef patty, and more cheese sauce on top.
- Garnish with diced tomatoes and green onions if desired.
Notes: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.





















