Description
Ah, Shredded Beef Mac and Cheese! Just saying it makes my heart flutter with joy. This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, wrapping you in layers of cheesy goodness and tender beef. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting in my kitchen, trying to find a way to elevate the classic mac and cheese. I had some leftover shredded beef from a family dinner, and the idea struck me like a lightning bolt. Why not combine the two? The result was nothing short of magical!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound shredded beef (cooked)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Hot sauce or BBQ sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef if not using leftovers by heating oil in a skillet, adding beef, and seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until heated through.
- Prepare the pasta by boiling salted water, adding elbow macaroni, and cooking until al dente, then draining.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a pot, whisking in flour, gradually adding milk, and stirring in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and shredded beef into the cheese sauce, mixing gently.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheese and beef for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more cream cheese or heavy cream if desired.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600-700
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg