This creamy, hearty mac and cheese with ground beef is a quick stovetop dinner that the entire family will love. Loaded with seasoned meat, tender veggies, and plenty of cheesy goodness, it’s comfort food at its best.
If you love easy ground beef pasta dishes, you’ll also want to try Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, Amish Hamburger Casserole, and One-Pot Chili Mac.
Table of Contents
Before You Get Started
A few quick tips to make sure this dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Use mac and cheese with the creamy cheese pouch. Boxed mac and cheese that includes a packet of creamy, squeezable cheese sauce (like Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Shells and Cheese) works best here. The powdered cheese packets won’t give you the same rich, saucy result.
- Drain the ground beef well. After browning the meat, take a moment to drain off the excess grease before adding the other ingredients. This keeps the dish from turning greasy or watery.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook the macaroni just until al dente (or even a minute less than the package suggests). It will continue to absorb moisture when you combine everything, so slightly undercooking helps it stay tender without getting mushy.
Chuckwagon Mac is a family favorite recipe!
This meal comes straight from my mom’s recipe box and my childhood dinner table. Mom’s “chuckwagon mac” is an easy combination of Kraft Deluxe mac and cheese with ground beef and veggies in a flavorful tomato sauce. Best of all, the comfort food classic is 100% kid-and-husband-approved!
How to Make Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
This stovetop dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. It’s essentially a cheeseburger macaroni with bonus veggies built right in. Here’s how to pull it together:
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Start by cooking the boxed mac and cheese according to the package directions. I like using Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Shells and Cheese because the creamy cheese pouch makes the sauce extra smooth and rich.
⇢ Creamy Cheese, Not Powdered: Make sure you’re not using a mac and cheese with powdered cheese, as it won’t give you the same creamy texture.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Veggies
While the pasta cooks, you’ll have time to brown the ground beef along with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are softened. Then drain off any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
⇢ Breaking the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks helps it distribute more evenly throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce and Vegetables
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained corn, and diced tomatoes.
Let everything simmer together over low heat for about 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked mac and cheese to the beef mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions and serve right away.
This recipe was a hit!! My hubby & I loved it & it’s definitely a “keeper”!! Thanks for sharing it…
– Tess
Variations and Flavor Twists
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
Swap the protein. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage all work well in place of the beef. Each brings a slightly different flavor, so pick what your family enjoys most.
Add more veggies. Steamed broccoli florets, diced zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms are all great additions. Stir them in at the end so they stay tender.
Give it a flavor twist. For an Italian-inspired version, add Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano (or use Italian sausage). For a Tex-Mex spin, swap in Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for the plain diced tomatoes and season with taco seasoning. You can find a similar approach in my Taco Mac and Cheese.
Make it saucier. If you like extra sauce, stir in a splash of beef broth or a bit more tomato sauce at the end.
⇢ If you enjoy hearty, beefy pasta bakes, you might also love Johnny Marzetti Casserole, which has a similar comfort food vibe.
Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese with ground beef is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs nicely with simple sides:
- A green salad with Buttermilk Dressing
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Easy Coleslaw Dressing
- Homemade Dinner Rolls or Flaky Biscuits
- Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead
To make ahead: You can prep the beef and veggie mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the mac and cheese fresh and combine. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft.
To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute, or reheat a larger batch on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.
To freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mac and cheese with powdered cheese instead?
You can, but the results won’t be quite as creamy or rich. If that’s what you have on hand, consider stirring in a few slices of American cheese or a handful of shredded cheddar to boost the sauciness.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy and not dry?
The key is to not overcook the pasta and to let the tomato mixture simmer briefly so it thickens without drying out. If your dish seems dry when you combine everything, stir in a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water.
What meat works best in mac and cheese?
Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, chicken, or pork sausage all taste great. For a richer flavor, try a blend of beef and Italian sausage.
I just wanted to say “Thank You” for this fantastic recipe! I made this tonight for dinner, and it was sooo good!
– Patti
More Easy Ground Beef Dinners
Looking for more family-friendly meals? These recipes are reader favorites:
- Easy Cheeseburger Pie
- Cheeseburger Casserole
- Grandma’s One-Pan Hamburger Helper
- Beef Chili Recipe
- Chicken Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
For even more ideas, check out my Mac and Cheese Recipes and these Ground Beef Casserole Recipes.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Watch How to Make It
Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef
Equipment
- large skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup total)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup total)
- 1 large clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon total)
- 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)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or other herbs or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, corn, and diced tomatoes. Gently simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add the cooked macaroni and cheese to the beef mixture; stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or sliced green onions; serve immediately.
Notes
- Best mac and cheese to use: Look for boxed mac and cheese with a creamy cheese pouch (not powdered cheese). Kraft Deluxe and Velveeta Shells and Cheese both work well.
- Drain the beef: Removing excess grease after browning keeps the dish from being greasy or watery.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente. It will continue to absorb moisture when combined with the beef mixture.
- Make it saucier: Stir in a splash of milk or beef broth at the end if you prefer more sauce.
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage can replace the ground beef.
- Add more veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms are all great additions.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.
Nutrition
Originally published in January, 2016, this post was updated in February, 2026.
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!
Thanks, Gayle! Yep, it totally jazzes it up and makes it feel like an entirely different meal. 🙂
okay, i want to be part of your family. because i totally think this would be my new fav!
Come on over, Lindsay! You can bring Mr. Cotter, too! 🙂
This looks delicious and super comforting! Love the flavours! 🙂
Thanks, Jess! Total comfort food! 🙂
Oh my goodness. Must try for my family! I’m sure they’ll love it too.
Thanks, Melanie! Yep, this is a perfect family-friendly meal. Everyone seems to love it!
What an awesome dish! I love comfort foods like this!
Thanks, Annie! At this time of year, especially — cold weather makes me crave warm, hearty dishes like this one!
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
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! 🙂
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.
Hi! I always use the mac and cheese with the creamy cheese packet (not the powdered version). Enjoy!
I’ve done the powder and then added Velveeta.
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!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Laura! Thank you! 🙂
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.
Perfect! I’m so glad that you’ll give it a try, Tess. Enjoy, and thanks for reading the blog! 🙂
This recipe was a hit!! My hubby & I loved it & it’s definitely a “keeper”!! ::) Thanks for sharing it…
Thank you, Tess! I’m so glad that you both enjoyed it!
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?
Hi, Donna! Do you have any other brands of store-bought creamy mac and cheese? Any should work! 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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.
Thanks for letting us know — glad that it works with the powdered mac and cheese! 🙂
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.
Great tip, Fran! I’ve done that before as well. Definitely delicious!
Trying this tonight! First cool day of the season – I know my hubby and I will enjoy it, thank you! 🙂
Hope it was a hit, Miranda!
It definitely was a hit! 🙂 *Hubby approved! Thanks, again!
Yay!!
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.
We’re so glad you found it and hope you enjoy, Kanessa!
Family loves it
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out, Cathie.
I needed a recipe for hamburger meat and found this one and luckily I had all the ingredients! It was delicious and my 5 yr old granddaughter loved it!!! It’s a meal in one! We adults liked it too!!!very easy to make and tastes so good. Thank you!
Yay! I’m so glad that it was a hit, Monica. Thank you!
This was DELICIOUS! My family devoured it! I did not have deluxe shells & cheese, just the Kraft with the cheese dust. So I doubled the recipe, made it according to the recipe on the box, added 1 cup sharp cheddar and 1/2 brick of cream cheese to the macaronis & cheese before I added it to the meat mixture. It was fantastic!
Thank you for the feedback, Kim! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and were able to make it work for you.
Inexpensive. Uses basic pantry/freezer staples. Easy. Fast. Yummy. (It works for us vegetarians too, using plant-based “burger” crumbles.) This is what I consider a perfect recipe! This dish comes to the table on a regular basis now.
Yay! I’m so glad that it was a hit, Gayle. Thank you!
Loved the fact the recipe was at the top of the page so I didn’t have to scroll through the entirety of the voyage of Marco Polo to get to it. /s
Tasty tho.
Thank you for your feedback, Mark. We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I made this for dinner tonight and my husband and I really liked it! I have made something similar a few times, but liked this much better. I did substitute diced tomatoes with green chilies for the plain diced tomatoes and it gave a very nice flavor to the dish. I used some reserved pasta water and put some in the fridge in case I need it for leftovers. This is a keeper!
Sounds perfect, Karen! Thanks for your note!