Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

4.50 (3)
⏱ 30 mins 🍽 4-6 serving(s) 🏷 Cheese

This is a quick and simple family recipe, perfect for both children and grown-ups. It combines classic macaroni and cheese with a flavourful, seasoned beef and tomato sauce for a hearty, all-in-one dish. It comes together in about 30 minutes, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that evokes fond memories of home cooking.

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 (7 1/4 ounce) boxes kraft macaroni & cheese dinner mix, not prepared
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I like the petit cut)
  • 1 tablespoon mild chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, to garnish (optional)

Method

  1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until it is tender, then drain it.
  2. Combine the drained macaroni with the butter, ensuring it is mixed thoroughly.
  3. As the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a large skillet until the meat is fully cooked.
  4. Pour off any excess fat from the skillet.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  6. Let the meat sauce come to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Combine the simmered meat mixture with the buttered macaroni, taking care not to add any extra milk.
  8. Sprinkle the contents of the cheese packets over the pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  9. If you like, top each serving with a little grated cheddar cheese before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium2215700 mg

Recipe details

CategoryCheese
AuthorPalatablePastime