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Easy, Healthy Mac and Beef

A comforting and nutritious twist on mac and cheese that’s simple to prepare with ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Beef
  • 1 lb Ground beef (lean, 80/20) Flavor matters; use lean beef for a healthier option.
  • 8 oz Whole wheat pasta Or whatever pasta you have on hand.
  • 1 medium Onion Optional, but recommended for flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred; powdered can be used.
  • 1 tsp Salt Sea salt if desired.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper For seasoning.
Vegetables and Sauce
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets Fresh or frozen.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) Sharp cheddar is the best choice.
  • 1 cup Milk Almond milk can be used, but whole milk is recommended.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add ground beef and chopped onions, and cook until browned.
  3. Once beef is cooked, drain excess fat, and add salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Cooking
  1. Add broccoli florets to the beef mixture and cook until the broccoli is tender but bright (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Pour in milk and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well mixed.
  3. Drain cooked pasta and toss it into the beef-broccoli-cheesy mix. Stir well.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add leftover veggies like bell peppers or peas. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare. A non-stick skillet is recommended for easier cleanup.