Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup dry macaroni noodles
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the macaroni, hot water, milk, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Cook Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using low-sodium products.
Variations
- Cheesy Taco: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños for a Mexican twist.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning and mozzarella cheese, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Keto Version
Replace macaroni noodles with cauliflower florets and use a keto-friendly thickener in place of cornstarch.
Low-Carb Version
Substitute the macaroni with low-carb pasta alternatives and use less cornstarch or a low-carb thickener.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes):
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g (Note: Lower for Keto and Low-Carb versions)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugar: 5-6g