Description

For those who love creamy dishes, this mac and cheese recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and simplicity. With an irresistible combination of cheeses, seasoned ground beef, and sautéed vegetables, this mac and cheese goes beyond the classic version and is sure to be the star of your meal. Easy to prepare, it’s ideal for lunches or dinners when you want to impress with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 block of cheddar cheese
• 200 g (7 oz) of macaroni (shell or spiral)
• 400 g (14 oz) of heavy cream
• 100 ml (3.4 oz) of water
• Salt, paprika, oregano, and pepper to taste
• 9 cubes of butter
• 250 g (9 oz) of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 500 g (1.1 lb) of ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 200 g (7 oz) of shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1

  

  Start by placing a block of cheddar cheese at the bottom of a large baking dish. This cheese will melt in the oven, creating a creamy base

• Step 2

  

  Add 200 g of macaroni. The shell or spiral shape is ideal for capturing the sauce, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful

• Step 3

  

  Pour in 400 g of heavy cream to give a rich, velvety texture to the mac and cheese

• Step 4

  

  Add 100 ml of water to help the pasta cook and absorb the flavors of the cheeses and seasonings

• Step 5

  

  Season with salt to taste, paprika, oregano, and pepper. These seasonings will enhance the dish by balancing the cheese’s richness with subtle flavors

• Step 6

  

  Place 9 cubes of butter on top. The butter will melt in the oven, creating an even creamier and richer layer

• Step 7

  

  Sprinkle 250 g of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake the dish in the oven. The shredded cheddar will create a golden, irresistible crust

• Step 8

  

  While the pasta bakes, heat a skillet with a bit of oil and sauté the chopped red onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper until the vegetables are soft and aromatic

• Step 9

  

  Add 500 g of ground beef to the skillet and cook until the meat is well browned

• Step 10

  

  Season the beef with 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika to intensify the flavors

• Step 11

  

  Combine the cooked ground beef with the baked macaroni. This step allows the flavors to meld, creating a unique and delicious texture

• Step 12

  

  Finish by adding another 200 g of shredded cheddar cheese on top, which will melt and cover the dish with an extra layer of flavor

• Step 13

  

  It’s ready! Your special mac and cheese is prepared to be served.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip
For a crunchy topping, add bacon bits or a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before adding the final layer of cheddar. The bacon adds a crispy texture, while the breadcrumbs bring a golden, crunchy crust.

Conclusion
This mac and cheese recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level. The creaminess of the cheddar and heavy cream, combined with the perfectly seasoned ground beef and sautéed vegetables, makes this dish a true explosion of flavors. Serve hot, savor every bite, and get ready for compliments. This mac and cheese is perfect for warming the heart and satisfying any palate!