This Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese With Ground Beef recipe takes the classic comfort dish to a whole new level! Imagine the rich, creamy, cheesy goodness of Pioneer Woman’s famous mac and cheese, now enhanced with savory ground beef. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave ultimate comfort food.
Building on the beloved Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, this version adds a protein punch that transforms it into a complete and satisfying main course. The luscious, ooey-gooey cheese sauce, with its signature tangy kick from mustard powder, remains the star. The addition of ground beef introduces a delicious depth of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you’re already a fan of mac and cheese, prepare to be amazed by how ground beef elevates this dish. It’s just as easy to make as the original, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget the boxed stuff – this homemade mac and cheese with ground beef is in a league of its own. And if you love exploring mac and cheese variations, you might also enjoy learning How to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Better for quick weeknight meals.
This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef is incredibly versatile and satisfying, making it ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Kids and adults alike will give this recipe a resounding thumbs-up!
While you’re exploring delicious comfort food, be sure to check out other Pioneer Woman classics. Her chocolate pie and scalloped potatoes and ham are also must-try recipes that bring the same home-style goodness to your table.
Serving spoon scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef from a pot, showcasing its creamy texture.Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
To make this hearty and cheesy dish, you’ll need these key ingredients:
Elbow Macaroni: Macaroni is the traditional pasta for mac and cheese, perfect for capturing all that creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes with ridges and curves like shells or cavatappi. The shape is crucial for holding onto the delicious cheese sauce.
Ground Beef: This is the star addition! Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or regular ground beef for extra richness. Ground beef adds protein and a savory flavor that transforms this into a main dish.
Egg: Incorporating an egg into the cheese sauce is a secret to its ultra-creamy texture. Don’t skip this step – it makes a significant difference!
Butter and Flour: These two are the foundation of the roux, which is essential for a smooth, thick cheese sauce. The roux ensures your sauce isn’t grainy or thin.
Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the richest, creamiest sauce, but you can use reduced-fat milk if preferred. Milk combines with the roux to create the luscious base of the cheese sauce.
Dry Mustard: Dry mustard powder provides a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds depth of flavor. It’s a key ingredient in balanced mac and cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for mac and cheese, offering a robust flavor and excellent melting properties. For a more complex cheese profile, consider blending cheddar with Gruyere, Colby, or Monterey Jack. Freshly grated cheese melts best for a smooth sauce.
Seasonings: Salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust these to your taste to perfectly season your mac and cheese.
Optional Toppings: Breadcrumbs or extra cheese for baking, chopped parsley or chives for garnish.
Labeled ingredients for Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef, including macaroni, ground beef, cheese, and spices.
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing comfort food:
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with warm water. (Full printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and set aside.
Fork beating an egg in a small bowl, step in making creamy mac and cheese with ground beef.
Make the Roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
Butter melting in a saucepan followed by adding flour to make roux for cheese sauce.
Add Milk and Mustard: Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in dry mustard powder. Simmer over low heat, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Adding milk and dry mustard to roux, simmering cheese sauce base for Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef.
Temper the Egg: Take a ¼ cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg to temper it (this prevents the egg from scrambling). Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
Tempering egg by slowly adding hot cheese sauce to beaten egg in a bowl.
Melt in Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Adding grated cheddar cheese and spices to cheese sauce, melting for creamy Pioneer Woman mac and cheese.
Combine with Pasta and Ground Beef: Add the cooked macaroni and browned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Mixing cooked macaroni into pot of cheese sauce, combining for Pioneer Woman mac and cheese.
Optional Baking Step: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese and ground beef mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with extra cheddar cheese or breadcrumbs if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef hot! Garnish with parsley or chives if desired. See the recipe card below for detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, and helpful tips.
Finished Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef in a pot, ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
- Smooth Sauce Secret: Add milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth cheese sauce base.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Always use freshly grated, high-quality cheese for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, especially if you bake it.
- Customize with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, jalapenos, or a sprinkle of paprika can add extra flavor dimensions.
Best Cheese for Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef?
While sharp cheddar is classic, a blend of cheeses creates a richer flavor profile. Try combining sharp cheddar with Gruyere for nuttiness, Colby for mildness, or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Pepper jack can add a spicy kick if you like heat.
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Close-up of serving spoon scooping creamy mac and cheese with ground beef, cheese pull visible.
Should You Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?
For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce, freshly grated cheese is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can sometimes lead to a slightly gritty texture when melted.
Why Include Egg in Mac and Cheese Sauce?
Adding an egg to the cheese sauce creates a richer, creamier emulsion. The egg acts as a binder, contributing to the luxurious texture and preventing the sauce from separating.
Plate of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef next to pot, showcasing plated serving.
Other Ingredients to Add to Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for customization. Consider adding:
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli florets, peas, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spices: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for smokiness, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Meats: Try Italian sausage, chorizo, or shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
- Toppings: Crispy fried onions, buttery breadcrumbs, or a swirl of hot sauce on top.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef ahead of time, although it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess.
To Make Ahead: Prepare the recipe as directed, but don’t bake it (if opting for baked mac and cheese). Let it cool completely in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To Bake from Refrigerated: Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake, covered with foil, for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Close-up showing thick and creamy cheese sauce in Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef.
Slow Cooker Option
For a super creamy texture and hands-off cooking, try the slow cooker method:
Slow Cooker Instructions: Combine cooked macaroni, browned ground beef, and the prepared cheese sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and extra creamy.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze unbaked mac and cheese with ground beef for future enjoyment.
To Freeze: Assemble the mac and cheese with ground beef in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Bake from Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Overhead shot of plated Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef, fork beside, showcasing cheesy topping.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef?
This hearty mac and cheese with ground beef is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Vegetables: A simple green salad, slow cooker green beans, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli.
- Bread: Garlic bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls.
- Side Dishes: Coleslaw, fruit salad, or tomato soup.
Side shot of gooey Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef on blue plate, inviting presentation.
Keep In Touch!
Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @KeyToMyLime how you liked this recipe! #KeyToMyLime
Pinterest pin image for Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with ground beef recipe, visually appealing.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore all of our pasta recipes for more delicious ideas! Reader favorites include classic mac and cheese, lobster mac and cheese, and more cheesy pasta bakes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 pound freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese*
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional spices (cayenne pepper, paprika, and/or thyme)
- Optional toppings (breadcrumbs, extra cheese, parsley)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook roux for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- While whisking, gradually pour in milk and stir in mustard powder. Simmer until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
- Temper the egg: Take 1/4 cup of hot sauce and slowly whisk into beaten egg. Then, slowly pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly.
- Stir in shredded cheese, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Add cooked macaroni and browned ground beef to cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Optional baked mac and cheese: Transfer to greased casserole dish. Top with extra cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes
*Use freshly grated cheese for best results. Pre-grated cheeses may contain anti-caking agents affecting texture.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/6 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 850, Total Fat: 45g, Carbohydrates: 75g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 40g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary.
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You’re now ready to make this incredibly satisfying Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef! Whether you choose the stovetop or baked version, you’ll be serving a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love and ask for again and again. Enjoy!
