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- 1 lb elbow macaroni - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups beef broth - 1 cup milk - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped parsley for garnish The main ingredient is elbow macaroni. It holds sauce well and cooks quickly. Ground beef gives a rich flavor and protein. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma to the dish. Beef broth keeps everything moist and tasty. Milk helps create a creamy texture. Cheddar cheese makes it cheesy and comforting. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory kick. Mustard powder and paprika enhance the overall taste. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian dish, use plant-based meat or lentils. For dairy-free needs, try almond milk and vegan cheese. Ensure your beef broth is vegetable-based for a fully plant-based meal. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and broth. Adjust these ingredients to fit your needs while keeping the core flavors intact. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it until the meat is brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat. This step keeps the dish from being too greasy. Next, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir them in with the beef. Cook until the onion is clear, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This adds great flavor to your dish. The smell will fill your kitchen and make you hungry! Now, stir in 1 lb of elbow macaroni along with 3 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of milk. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is gone, take the pot off the heat. Finally, mix in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Enjoy your hearty meal! To cook the best macaroni, start with great water. Use a large pot filled with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This salt adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a boil before adding the macaroni. Stir often to prevent sticking. Cook until the macaroni is al dente. This means it should be soft yet firm. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Drain the macaroni and rinse it quickly with cold water. This helps stop the cooking process. Seasoning is key to great flavor. Start with salt and pepper; both are essential. Next, add Worcestershire sauce. This gives a rich, savory note. Mustard powder adds a nice tang. Paprika brings a hint of smokiness. Taste as you go to adjust the flavors. If you want more depth, add herbs like thyme or oregano. Fresh herbs can also brighten the dish. Don't forget to taste before serving. Adjust as needed for a perfect finish. To melt cheese smoothly, begin with shredded cheese. Shredded cheese melts better than blocks. After cooking the pasta, remove the pot from heat. Slowly stir in the cheese while the pot is warm. This helps the cheese melt evenly. If the cheese clumps, add a splash of milk. This keeps the texture creamy. Stir until you see no lumps. If you want a richer taste, try mixing different cheeses. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives a great flavor and texture. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your macaroni al dente. It will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat, ensuring it doesn't become mushy. Enhance Flavor with Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile in your macaroni. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish's flavor. Add them at the end for a fresh burst of taste. Leftover Ideas: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to regain creaminess. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative. Look for products made from soy or pea protein. They cook similarly and soak up flavors well. You still get a hearty meal without the meat. Trust me, it tastes great! Want to boost the nutrition? Add extra veggies! You can toss in spinach, bell peppers, or even peas. Just chop them small. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a few minutes. This gives your meal more color and flavor. Kids often enjoy it more with these added veggies. If you like some heat, add spices! Try a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in hot sauce when serving. This adds a fun kick to your dish. Adjust the heat to your taste. Everyone can enjoy their own level of spice! To store leftovers, let the macaroni cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure you seal the container well to keep it fresh. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish later. When reheating, add a splash of milk. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to divide the dish into portion sizes. This makes it easier to thaw later. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the tips above. Enjoy your hearty meal anytime! Yes, you can! You can swap elbow macaroni for penne, shells, or rotini. Each pasta shape holds the sauce well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the shape you choose. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Both options add flavor without changing the dish too much. If you want a richer taste, try using bouillon cubes or stock. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook well. Ensure the broth you use is also gluten-free. Most broth brands have gluten-free choices. Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess. Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy flavor and fun pasta shapes. You can even let them help with stirring. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking, making mealtime fun. We covered everything you need for a delicious pasta dish. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare them, and easy replacements for different diets. I shared steps for cooking ground beef, veggies, and pasta perfectly. You now have tips for tender macaroni and smooth cheese. Plus, you discovered tasty variations and proper storage methods. With these tips, you can make a dish that suits your taste and your needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cheesy Dreamland Macaroni

A creamy and cheesy macaroni dish with ground beef and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Keyword beef, cheesy, comfort food, macaroni