Did you know comfort foods are a big hit at family gatherings? They make up 40% of meals. I’m excited to share a dish that’s sure to be a hit: Creamy Beef Queso Mac and Cheese. It’s packed with 27 grams of protein per serving!
This dish combines tender ground beef, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a real game-changer. It’s not only tasty but also good for you. We use gluten-free Banza pasta to make it diet-friendly.
Each serving has only 315 calories. That’s a guilt-free treat. The recipe makes 6 servings, great for family dinners or small gatherings. And, it’s just 9 WW SmartPoints on the Blue plan for those watching their weight.
Ready to try this delicious ground beef queso masterpiece? Let’s see what makes it special and how to make it at home. Your taste buds will love it!
Introduction to Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
I love making meals that mix old favorites with new twists. The Creamy Beef Queso Mac and Cheese is a great example. It combines the warmth of beef and cheese casserole with the bold flavors of a meaty queso dip. All in a beefy mac and cheese package.
What Makes This Dish Special
This recipe is special because it mixes American comfort food with Mexican flavors. The creamy mac and cheese goes well with spicy ground beef and tangy queso. It’s loved by all, satisfying both pasta and Mexican food cravings in one dish.
Key Benefits and Features
The Beef Queso Mac and Cheese has many benefits:
- It’s high in protein from beef and cheese
- You can adjust the spice to your liking
- Use whole grain pasta for more fiber
- It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks
Quick Overview of Preparation Time
This dish is quick to make. You can have it ready in just 30 minutes:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
This makes it great for busy weeknights. You get a tasty homemade meal without spending hours cooking.
Essential Ingredients for Beef Queso Mac and Cheese
I love making the perfect tex-mex mac and cheese. It starts with the right ingredients. This loaded queso mac is easy to make with just 5 key parts. Let’s look at them:
- 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 jar (15 ounces) of queso
This recipe is simple. With these ingredients, you can make a tasty meal fast. Prep takes 10 minutes, and cooking is 15 minutes. You can have dinner ready in under half an hour!
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 16 oz | Base of the dish |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb | Protein source |
| Taco seasoning | 1 oz packet | Flavor enhancer |
| Rotel | 10 oz can | Adds zest and texture |
| Queso | 15 oz jar | Creamy cheese sauce |
This recipe serves about 6 people. It’s great for family dinners or small parties. The mix of these ingredients makes a rich, tasty tex-mex mac and cheese. It’s sure to hit the spot for comfort food lovers.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s make this delicious Beef Queso Mac and Cheese. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner on a weeknight.
Preparing the Ground Beef
Begin by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet. Add 1 cup of chopped onions and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Then, drain any excess fat.
Creating the Perfect Queso Sauce
In another pot, melt 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese with 15 ounces of tomato sauce and ½ cup of sour cream. Stir until it’s smooth. Add some hot sauce for extra flavor.
Combining Components and Final Assembly
While the sauce is getting ready, cook the pasta. Use 1 pound of elbow macaroni, but cook it for 2 minutes less than the package says. Drain and set it aside.
Now, mix the cooked ground beef, queso sauce, and pasta in a big baking dish. Add diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
Tips for Achieving Ideal Consistency
To get the right consistency, add cheese slowly to avoid clumps. If it’s too thick, add a little milk. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes before baking is done.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound | Browned and drained |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 pound | Cooked al dente |
| Cheddar cheese | 8 ounces | Shredded |
| Tomato sauce | 15 ounces | Mixed with cheese |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Added to sauce |
Serving Suggestions and Customization Options
This queso mac and cheese recipe is super versatile. You can serve and customize it in many ways. Here are some tasty ideas to make your meal better.
Garnishing Ideas for Presentation
To make your queso mac and cheese look amazing, try these garnishes:
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness
- Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess
- Scatter crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch
- Top with sliced jalapeños for those who like it spicy
Complementary Side Dishes
Balance the rich cheese sauce with these sides:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread for extra indulgence
- Mexican-style corn on the cob
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and warm in the microwave or oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days | Microwave or oven at 375°F for 15 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat as above |
Conclusion
I’ve shared a tasty Beef Queso Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s a hit with families. With 34 grams of protein per serving, it’s both filling and healthy.
The sauce-to-pasta ratio is 2:1, making it creamy. You’ll love it.
Want some crunch? Add panko breadcrumbs on top before baking. Feel free to mix things up. Try adding tomatoes and green chiles or taco seasoning for a twist.
Chili powder can add a spicy kick. It’s up to you.
Make sure to cook the beef fully for safety. Cooking time is just 25 minutes, great for weeknights. For the best cheese mix, use 60% melting cheeses, 30% flavor cheeses, and 10% creamy cheese.
This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Whether you love classic mac and cheese or want to try something new, this Beef Queso Mac and Cheese is a winner. It’s easy to customize with green chiles or different spices. Make it your own!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this beef queso mac and cheese recipe?
Yes, you can! Banza elbows or other gluten-free pasta works well. This recipe is easy to change up without losing flavor or texture.
How long does it take to prepare this beef queso mac and cheese?
It’s ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for quick weeknight meals or last-minute dinners. You won’t lose out on taste or quality.
Can I customize the spice level of the beef queso mac and cheese?
Definitely! You can add more or less chipotle spice. For more heat, try hot sauce or chili powder.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of this dish?
Cool it down first, then put it in an airtight container. It keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this beef queso mac and cheese recipe?
Yes! You can add diced tomatoes, green chiles, or bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times if using raw veggies.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Prepare it, then portion it into containers for the week. Just remember to store it right to keep it fresh.
Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?
Sure! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options. Just make sure the meat is cooked before mixing it with other ingredients.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping this dish?
Monterey Jack is a great choice for topping. It melts well and tastes good with the dish. But you can try sharp cheddar or Mexican cheese blends too.
Can I make this beef queso mac and cheese in a slow cooker?
You can make it in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then mix everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring now and then.
How can I make this dish even more Tex-Mex inspired?
Add taco seasoning to the beef, use diced green chiles, or top it with crushed tortilla chips. Serving it with guacamole or pico de gallo adds to the Tex-Mex flavor.
Beef Queso Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 10 ounces can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 15 ounces jar queso
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet, adding 1 cup of chopped onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- In another pot, melt 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese with 15 ounces of tomato sauce and ½ cup of sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cooked ground beef, queso sauce, and pasta in a large baking dish. Add diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chipotle spice, hot sauce, or chili powder.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes before baking is done.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat by adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and warm in the microwave or oven at 375°F for 15 minutes.
