This Cajun Mac and Cheese comfort meal takes less than 30 minutes to make in just one pan! With a few simple ingredients, this spicy beef mac and cheese is packed full of flavor and satisfaction!
Mac and cheese is one of those classic delicious comfort foods that never fails to satisfy. But when you add savory ground beef and heaps of melted cheese into the mix, you take this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
With savory cooked ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni, this simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It takes just 30 minutes using one pot and requires minimal prep. One bowl won't be enough! You'll be looking forward to leftover hamburger mac the next day!
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One pot meals are great when you need ease and crave deliciousness! My Lasagna Soup, high protein Taco Pasta, and One Pan Pasta are also easy dinner recipes that will leave you full with minimal clean-up!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Mac and cheese is the epitome of comfort food, and when you add savory ground beef to the mix, it becomes even more satisfying. It's perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and Filling: The protein from the ground beef, combined with the carbohydrates from the pasta and the richness of the cheese sauce, makes for a hearty and filling dish that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Family-Friendly: Beef mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit with the whole family. Kids love its cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the added protein and flavor from the hearty ground beef.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich and indulgent flavor, beef mac and cheese is a surprisingly easy recipe to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time. You can't beat a good one-pot meal!
Ingredients for Cajun Mac and Cheese
Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides protein and adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds spice and a bold, zesty flavor to the dish.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness, depth, and a touch of acidity to the dish. Tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Beef broth: Provides liquid and enhances the beefy flavor of the dish.
- Jumbo elbow macaroni: Jumbo elbow macaroni is sturdy and holds up well to the hearty sauce. Its shape allows it to trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess, richness, and a tangy flavor to the dish. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Medium cheddar is our choice, but sharp cheddar cheese can an extra zing. Like it milder, use mild cheddar cheese instead.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce. Milk helps create a smooth and velvety texture.
Tools You'll Need
- Large Skillet
- Garlic Press
- Meat Chopper
- Liquid Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater
- Ladle
How to Make Cajun Beef Mac and Cheese
- In a deep skillet over a medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef. Once it's nearly cooked through, drain in a colander or blot excess grease with a paper towel.
- Add onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning to the beef mixture. Cook until onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth and one cup of water. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the broth has cooked down.
- Pour in milk and cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Ladle and garnish with sliced green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning to Taste: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so adjust the amount according to your preference for heat. You can start with the suggested amount and add more if desired.
- Use Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add salt later if needed. If using ground chicken, you can also substitute the beef broth with chicken broth or chicken stock.
- Choose Quality Cheddar Cheese: Opt for a good-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor and creaminess in your mac and cheese. While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a unique twist on the dish.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced green bell pepper, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic until they're tender.
- Spice it Up: If you like your mac and cheese extra spicy, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning for an added kick. Chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne are also great additions.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While jumbo elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for a different presentation.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
What Goes Best with Spicy Mac and Beef
This ground beef mac can be served as a stand alone dish or can pair well with a simple vegetable! Some excellent side dishes to serve with your bowl are Easy Cooked Vegetables, Rainbow Charred Vegetable Salad, Marinated Vegetable Salad, or Crispy Green Beans!
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. Store all in one container or in individual portions. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Completely: Ensure that the dish is completely cooled before freezing. If you plan to freeze individual portions, use freezer-safe containers or sealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: When ready to eat, thaw frozen mac and cheese overnight in the refrigerator. Add additional beef broth or a splash of milk if needed when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground beef is our choice for this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for ground beef if desired. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Yes, you can add vegetables like green pepper, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, including the Cajun seasoning and tomato paste, are gluten-free certified.
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a vegetarian version of this dish. Additionally, you can add extra vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of spices including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs. The heat level can vary depending on the brand, but you can adjust the amount used according to your preference for spiciness.
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for variation.
Yes, you can substitute with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
While both Beef Mac and Cheese and boxed Hamburger Helper contain ground beef and macaroni and are both delicious, Beef Mac and Cheese is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, while Hamburger Helper is a convenience food that comes in a boxed kit with pre-packaged ingredients. You could call this an Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
More Delicious Macaroni Recipes
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion about 1 small onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 8 ounces large elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- In a deep skillet over a medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef. Once it's nearly cooked through, drain in a colander or blot excess grease with a paper towel.
- Add onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning to the beef mixture. Cook until onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth and one cup of water. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the broth has cooked down.
- Pour in milk and cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Ladle and garnish with sliced green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Expert Tips and Variations
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning to Taste: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so adjust the amount according to your preference for heat. You can start with the suggested amount and add more if desired.
- Use Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add salt later if needed. If using ground chicken, you can also substitute the beef broth with chicken broth or chicken stock.
- Choose Quality Cheddar Cheese: Opt for a good-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor and creaminess in your mac and cheese. While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a unique twist on the dish.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced green bell pepper, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic until they're tender.
- Spice it Up: If you like your mac and cheese extra spicy, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning for an added kick. Chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne are also great additions.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While jumbo elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for a different presentation.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
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