Hello everyone! Welcome to Maret’s Home. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite comfort food recipes: Mac and Cheese with Beef, my style. This dish is incredibly cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 200 g macaroni pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or tomato pulp)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
Instructions:
Preparing the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni pasta (or your preferred type) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Beef and Sauce:
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Finely chop one medium onion and three cloves of garlic. If you prefer less garlic, you can use fewer cloves.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add 500 g of ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
- Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of hot paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. Mix well to combine.
- Add Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce or tomato pulp. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes with the lid on, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Addition:
- If you have some French garlic (or any other fresh herbs) left in the fridge, you can add them at this stage for extra flavor.
Combining Everything:
- Mix in the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the beef and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Add the reserved pasta water to ensure the mixture stays juicy.
- Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt. This adds a nice creaminess to the dish.
- Add 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
- Season and Finish:
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and an additional teaspoon of unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Serving:
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the mac and cheese with beef to a serving dish.
- Serve hot, and enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and flavorful dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Baking Option: For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
FAQ Section:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or rigatoni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese with beef ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or broth if needed to maintain the creaminess.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add more hot paprika, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness of the dish.
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoy making and eating this mac and cheese with beef as much as I do. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and leave a comment below. See you next time!