5 Easy Ground Beef Mac and Cheese Recipes for Crowds

Cooking for a crowd can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially when you want to serve something that's both delicious and easy to make. Enter the crowd-pleasing favorite: ground beef mac and cheese. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining the hearty essence of ground beef with the creamy, cheesy delight of macaroni. In this article, we'll explore five simple yet scrumptious recipes that will make you the star at any potluck or family gathering.

Classic Ground Beef Mac and Cheese

This classic recipe stands the test of time for a good reason. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (optional for a tangy twist)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Cook macaroni as per package instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter, then add flour, stirring to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk to make the cheese sauce.
  4. Reduce heat, add shredded cheeses, and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Add cooked beef and tomatoes (if using) to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
  6. Combine the sauce with the macaroni in a large pot or baking dish. Stir until well mixed.
  7. Serve hot or bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a golden top layer.

💡 Note: You can top the dish with breadcrumbs or extra cheese for added texture.

One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Pasta

For those who prefer minimal clean-up, this one-pot wonder is a lifesaver:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 1 can of tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add uncooked pasta, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir well.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Turn off the heat, mix in the cheese until it melts, then season to taste.

💡 Note: Adjust the broth amount if pasta seems too dry.

Tex-Mex Ground Beef Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking to spice things up, this Tex-Mex version adds a fiesta of flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can of black beans, drained
  • 2 cups macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cream cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • Optional: green onions, jalapeños for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook and drain macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, drain fat, then add taco seasoning and water as per the packet’s instructions.
  3. Reduce heat, stir in salsa, black beans, cream cheese, and milk, heating until cream cheese is melted.
  4. Combine this mixture with the cooked pasta, then top with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
  6. Garnish with green onions or jalapeños.

💡 Note: Salsa can vary in spiciness; choose one that matches your audience’s heat tolerance.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Bring some kick to your crowd’s meal with this Buffalo-style recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 box of macaroni and cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare mac and cheese according to the box, but do not add the cheese packet just yet.
  2. In a separate skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Combine cooked pasta, cheese packet, buffalo sauce, and cooked beef. Stir in milk for desired consistency.
  4. Mix in blue cheese crumbles and shredded cheddar, reserving some for topping.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until cheese melts.

💡 Note: For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling with ranch dressing before serving.

Vegetable-Loaded Ground Beef Mac and Cheese

To sneak in some extra nutrition, this recipe is filled with vegetables:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook macaroni as per package instructions, drain.
  2. Brown the ground beef, then add vegetables to cook through. Drain excess liquid.
  3. In the skillet, melt cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese together, creating a rich sauce.
  4. Combine cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture, then stir in the cheese sauce.
  5. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.

💡 Note: Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety.

In this culinary journey, we've shared five delicious ground beef mac and cheese recipes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From the classic to the adventurous, each dish promises to satisfy a crowd with its comforting blend of meat, cheese, and macaroni. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering, these recipes are sure to make you the star cook with minimal effort. The ease of preparation, combined with the universally loved ingredients, ensures that these dishes will be enjoyed by all, making your event a success.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

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Absolutely! You can prepare these dishes ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to allow for extra baking time if the dish is refrigerated.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

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Yes, most of these recipes freeze well. Let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

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Definitely. While elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini for a different texture.

How can I make these dishes healthier?

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To make these recipes healthier, consider using whole-grain pasta, lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, or adding more vegetables. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a cheese sauce with less fat content.

Can I adjust the spice level?

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Yes, you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference or your guests’ taste. For spicier dishes like the Tex-Mex or Buffalo versions, you can increase or decrease the amount of salsa or buffalo sauce accordingly.