As a lover of comfort food, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Shredded Beef Macaroni and Cheese. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy macaroni and cheese with the rich flavor of shredded beef. It’s easy to make and can be ready in just 25 minutes!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4-6 people
Why You’ll Love It
I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite comfort foods into one delicious dish. The shredded beef adds a hearty, meaty flavor that complements the creamy macaroni and cheese perfectly. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and customize to your taste.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- ½ large white onion, finely diced
- 1 medium jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cups shredded beef (use leftover or make your own)
- ¾ cup shredded beef juice
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it turns light brown. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly. Return to heat and cook until thickened. Add salt, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and slowly add the grated cheese, stirring until melted.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Add the Shredded Beef: Place the warmed shredded beef on top of the macaroni and cheese. Pour the warmed beef juice over the meat. Add diced onion, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add some chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeno for extra heat.
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for Customization
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
- Add Some Spice: Add chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Make it a Casserole: Transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover shredded beef?
A: Yes, using leftover shredded beef is perfect for this recipe. Just warm it up before adding it to the macaroni and cheese.
Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: You can add more jalapeno or use hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
Q: Can I bake it instead of serving straight away?
A: Absolutely! Transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.Enjoy your delicious Shredded Beef Macaroni and Cheese!
