📝 About This Recipe
Forget the box; this elevated take on the nostalgic American classic transforms a weeknight staple into a gourmet comfort masterpiece. Featuring a rich, velvet-smooth sharp cheddar sauce and savory ground beef, this version is finished in the oven with a buttery panko crust for that essential crunch. It’s the ultimate soulful hotdish that captures the essence of childhood while satisfying a sophisticated adult palate.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef & Pasta Base
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean for best flavor)
- 16 ounces Elbow Macaroni (dried)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
The Gourmet Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Whole Milk (warmed slightly)
- 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (adds depth and tang)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- to taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
The Golden Topping
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions for 'al dente'—it will finish cooking in the oven.
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3
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon until browned and onions are translucent.
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4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain the excess grease from the skillet and set the beef mixture aside.
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5
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a light roux; it should look pale and bubbly.
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6
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
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7
Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 2.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until perfectly smooth.
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8
Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot. Add the cooked beef mixture and the cheese sauce, stirring gently until every noodle is luxuriously coated.
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9
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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10
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan and a pinch of melted butter (optional), then scatter over the cheese layer.
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11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is a beautiful golden brown.
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12
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch which prevents the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth. Under-cook your pasta by 2-3 minutes so it retains a bite after absorbing the sauce in the oven. If the sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash of pasta water or extra milk to loosen it up. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped pickled jalapeños to the beef mixture. To make ahead, assemble the dish (without the topping), refrigerate, and add the breadcrumbs just before baking for an extra 10 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green garden salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of honey-glazed carrots or steamed broccoli florets adds a nice pop of color and nutrition. Pairs beautifully with a cold Amber Ale or a glass of buttery Chardonnay. For the kids, serve with a side of apple slices or a small bowl of tomato soup. Add a dollop of sour cream and extra sliced green onions on top for a 'loaded' burger experience.