One pan, half-hour, most consolation. My minced beef mac and cheese takes the bolognese route — extra on the tomatoey aspect than ultra-creamy — however nonetheless delivers that hefty, satisfying cheese pull. Pasta cooks within the sauce, then we end with a melty blanket on high so we’re not lacking out!
Nicky’s Notes
I wished a hybrid between traditional mac and a speedy bolognese — saucy and beefy with out dropping that tacky pull.
Cooking the macaroni within the beefy tomato base means the pasta soaks up all that flavour (and we skip making a separate cheese sauce). A splash of milk rounds the sides; Worcestershire sauce and oregano deliver a beautiful savoury heat.
We end with a two-stage cheese hit — some melted by for creaminess, the remainder on high for that stretchy, photo-worthy end. If I’m feeling further, I pop it below the grill for a minute or two till the highest freckles and sizzles.
What makes this so good:
- One pan, large flavour: Pasta cooks within the sauce, so the starch naturally thickens the whole lot — silky, not stodgy.
- Tomato-forward, nonetheless tacky: Good steadiness of wealthy tomato base with a correct quantity of cheese.
- Weeknight dependable: Widespread pantry substances; no roux, no oven required (grill end non-compulsory).
- Tremendous Speedy: All prepared in round half-hour make this a busy weeknight household favorite.
📋 Components for This Mac ‘n’ Cheese with beef
***Full recipe with detailed portions within the recipe card under***
Word on the meat
I exploit 12% fats minced beef (floor beef) and I’ve examined in opposition to lean and higher-fat choices. 12% provides the very best steadiness of flavour and silky sauce with out greasiness.
Abbreviated Recipe
***Full recipe with detailed steps within the recipe card under***
Blitz the veg, brown the seasoned beef, then add tomato purée, oregano, Worcestershire, macaroni, tinned tomatoes, inventory and milk; simmer lined for 12–14 minutes till the pasta is tender. Stir by half the cheese, scatter the remainder on high and soften below the lid. End with parsley and black pepper and serve.
Professional Tip
- If you wish to crisp up the cheese, place the pan below the grill (broiler) for 4-5 minutes, till golden and bubbly. Be sure that your pan is appropriate for utilizing below the grill.
This mac & cheese with beef has all savoury, comforting flavours that everybody recognises and loves, cooked in a single pan and prepared in 30 minutes!
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🍽️ What to serve it with
This minced beef mac and cheese is a full meal, however somewhat one thing on the aspect by no means hurts. We love garlic bread or a heat crusty loaf for scooping, plus one thing crisp and recent to steadiness the richness.
📺 Watch the best way to make it
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Place the onion, celery, carrot and garlic in a meals processor and pulse till finely chopped.
1 onion, 1 stick of celery, 1 carrot, 3 cloves garlic
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Warmth the oil in a big frying pan (skillet) over a excessive warmth.
2 tablespoons olive oil
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Add the vegetable combine, minced beef, salt and pepper to the pan and fry for five minutes, stirring usually, till the meat is calmly browned.
500 g (1.1lbs) minced beef (floor beef), ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
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Stir within the tomato puree, then add the macaroni, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, tinned tomatoes, beef inventory and milk.
2 tablespoons tomato puree (tomato paste), 300 g (10.5 oz) macaroni pasta, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 800 g finely chopped tomatoes, 360 ml (1 ½ cups) beef inventory, 120 ml (1/2 cup) full-fat milk
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Stir collectively and produce to the boil, then place a lid on and simmer gently for 12-14 minutes, stirring sometimes, till the macaroni is tender.
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Take away the lid and stir in half the cheese.
200 g (2 packed cups) combined grated cheese
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese on high, place a lid on and cook dinner for an extra minute till the cheese melts.
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Take away the lid, sprinkle on the recent parsley and somewhat black pepper and serve.
Black pepper, 2 tablespoons finely chopped recent parsley
Tip: If you wish to crisp up the cheese, place the pan below the grill (broiler) for 4-5 minutes, till golden and bubbly. Be sure that your pan is appropriate for utilizing below the grill.
Energy: 895kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 58g | Fats: 41g | Saturated Fats: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g | Monounsaturated Fats: 9g | Ldl cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1388mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g
Diet data is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
This minced beef mac & cheese recipe was first posted on Kitchen Sanctuary in Dec 2025. It appeared first in my e book Fast & Simple.
Among the hyperlinks on this publish could also be affiliate hyperlinks – which suggests for those who purchase the product I get a small fee (at no further price to you). In case you do purchase, then thanks! That’s what helps us to maintain Kitchen Sanctuary operating. The dietary data supplied is approximate and might fluctuate relying on a number of components. For extra data please see our Phrases & Situations.
