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A childhood comfort food favorite called “Chuckwagon Mac!” This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty, satisfying, and easy dinner recipe that the entire family will love!

Close up shot of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta in a cast iron skillet

Hi, friends! Let me introduce you to your family’s new favorite dinner! No, seriously. My mom’s “Chuckwagon Mac” was a staple in our home when I was growing up.

Of course, she passed the simple ground beef pasta recipe along to me when I had my first child, knowing that he would love it too.

Ground beef mixed with mac and cheese in a blue and white bowl

How to make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta:

You’ll need the following ingredients for this skillet meal:

  • Ground beef
  • Onion, bell pepper and garlic
  • Tomato sauce
  • Corn
  • Petite-diced tomatoes
  • A box of creamy macaroni and cheese
Box of Kraft Deluxe mac and cheese

First, prepare the box of mac and cheese according to the package instructions. I use this Kraft Deluxe, but you can pick any similar brand that includes the pouch of creamy cheese (Velveeta Shells and Cheese is another good option). Just don’t use those boxes of mac and cheese that start with the powdered cheese packet — it won’t be the same!

Pot of creamy mac and cheese

While the mac and cheese is cooking, you’ll have time to brown the ground beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic in a large skillet. Then drain the meat mixture and return it to the same pan.

Ground beef bell peppers and onion in a cast iron skillet

Next, stir in the tomato sauce, corn and diced tomatoes. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Ground beef mixture with tomatoes and corn in cast iron skillet

Finally, add the cooked macaroni and cheese, toss everything together, and serve!

Front shot of ground beef mac and cheese dinner in a skillet with wooden spoon

What to serve with Ground Beef Pasta:

Here are a few easy sides to serve with the super easy ground beef recipe:

Ground beef and elbow macaroni skillet dinner served in a blue and white bowl with fresh parsley on top

Cook’s Tips and Recipe Variations:

  • I use Kraft Deluxe, but you can pick any similar brand of macaroni and cheese that includes the pouch of creamy cheese (Velveeta Shells and Cheese is another good option). Just don’t use those boxes of mac and cheese that start with the powdered cheese packet — it won’t be the same!
  • Substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef.
  • Stir in other favorite vegetables. Steamed baby broccoli florets would be a great addition!
  • Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. The cooked creamy beef pasta will also stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Long overhead shot of cheesy ground beef pasta on a table surrounded by fresh herbs

More Ground Beef Pasta Recipes You Might Like:

Close up shot of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta in a cast iron skillet

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

5 from 4 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings 6 – 8 people
Calories 309.6 kcal
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta called "Chuckwagon Mac" is a hearty, satisfying, and easy dinner recipe that the entire family will love!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground beef (I use extra lean ground beef, but any variety will work)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite-diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (14 ounce) box Kraft Deluxe Mac and Cheese (or other similar boxed mac and cheese with the creamy cheese pouch)

Instructions

  • Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package instructions.
  • While the mac and cheese is cooking: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet. Stir in tomato sauce, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
  • Add cooked macaroni and cheese to beef mixture and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • I use Kraft Deluxe, but you can pick any similar brand of macaroni and cheese that includes the pouch of creamy cheese (Velveeta Shells and Cheese is another good option). Just don’t use those boxes of mac and cheese that start with the powdered cheese packet — it won’t be the same!
  • Substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef.
  • Stir in other favorite vegetables. Steamed baby broccoli florets would be a great addition!
  • Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. The cooked creamy beef pasta will also stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 of the recipeCalories: 309.6kcalCarbohydrates: 40.4gProtein: 20.8gFat: 7.7gSaturated Fat: 2.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 7.5mgSodium: 962.1mgPotassium: 322.7mgFiber: 3.6gSugar: 8.4gVitamin A: 530IUVitamin C: 24.3mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 3.6mg
Keyword: Beef Mac and Cheese, Chuckwagon Mac, ground beef pasta
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan

This post was originally published in January, 2016. It was updated in August, 2019.

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

Read More

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Comments

  1. This looks like the perfect way to jazz up regular mac ‘n cheese! I love the hearty ingredients in here! Definitely the perfect comfort food for the winter. I can see why you and your family love it so much!

    1. Thanks, Annie! At this time of year, especially — cold weather makes me crave warm, hearty dishes like this one!

  2. 5 stars
    Dear Blair
    I just wanted to say “Thank You” for this fantastic recipe! I made this tonight for dinner, and it was sooo good! I couldn’t find the White Cheddar Cheesy Deluxe, so I used the Organic White Cheddar. I am going to give some to my son for work. He’s been looking for a recipe that his father made, and this is definitely it(minus the hot sauce) I always look forward to your recipe of the day, and since I join, I have not been disappointed.
    Thank You
    Patti

    1. Hi, Patti! Thank you so much for your kind note! I’m thrilled that this recipe was a hit, and I so appreciate your support. Thanks for reading along! 🙂

  3. Hello I was wondering if you are using the Mac and Cheese with the powder mix or the box kind that comes with creamy cheese I have seen similar recipes that use the powder mix so I was just wondering what you use?
    Thank you for any feed back that you could give me. God Bless and have a wonderful day. 🙂

    P.S. Will rate once I make it.

  4. I really wasn’t sure, wow.. So good!! This was fast and easy family loved it. Your website has been a God sent for dinners….we don’t get home till late and I have these all planned ready to go and feel good about feeding healthy stuff to my family.

    Thank you!!

  5. 5 stars
    I’m going to give this recipe a try this week… I just bought the Macaroni & Cheese last night at the grocery store… and have all of the ingredients now to make this. A simple and tasty dish!! I’ll let you know how we liked it when I make it this week. 🙂 Thanks again for all your recipes.

  6. This looks delicious, I was going to make it for my grandkids then I read the ingredients. I live in Canada and we don’t have Kraft Deluxe or the Velveeta cheese ???? Any suggestions on what I can replace it with?

      1. Thanks for your prompt reply. I never really looked, I’m not a big fan of mac and cheese. I’ll check on my next shopping trip.

        1. Perfect! I bet there’s a similar product, even if it’s made by a different brand. The key is to find one that includes the cheesy sauce packet — not the powdered cheese. 🙂

    1. I’ve made this several times now. Yummy! I’m in Canada too, so I use 2 boxes of KD Sharp Cheddar. YES… it’s powered. Turns out perfectly.

  7. Once all ingredients are cooked I put in a casserole dish and bake uncovered about 15-20 min. @ 350°…..just until the top browns. Extra work/dishes but good outcome.

  8. I am so excited! This was my mother’s signature dish as a child. But, she lost the recipe. I have been looking for it for years. Thank you for giving me my childhood back.