Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our delectable Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Casserole. This classic recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb. dried elbow macaroni
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (90/10)
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp. mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 2 tbsp. grilling seasoning
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus extra for pasta water
- 12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided (about 3 cups)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 8 slices American cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp. sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Macaroni: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a generously salted large pot of water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally for 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Add unsalted butter to the Dutch oven with the beef drippings, melting over medium heat. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour, whisking constantly until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in whole milk, cooking and whisking constantly until thickened and bubbly, approximately 5 minutes. Reduce to low heat, whisk in mustard, grilling seasoning, Worcestershire, kosher salt, and 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Stir in the cooked beef and macaroni. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, then lay the American cheese slices over the top, fully covering the casserole (tear the slices as needed).
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, stir together panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, sesame seeds, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole until golden brown and bubbly, around 15 to 20 minutes. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
Nutritional details are presented as estimates and can differ depending on the specific ingredients used and the sizes of portions.
Cooking Tips:
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a personalized touch.
- For added crunch, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top before baking.
- Customize with your favorite seasonings or add vegetables for extra flavor.