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Kraft Dinner With Ground Beef 16.png

Kraft Dinner With Ground Beef

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🍝 Fuel your family with this hearty Ground Beef Mac and Cheese, packed with protein from beef and creamy cheese for a comforting, balanced meal that satisfies picky eaters.
🌢️ Try this quick Tex-Mex twist on classic mac and cheese for a one-pot wonder that’s budget-friendly, bursting with taco flavors, and ready in just 15 minutes for busy nights.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound lean or extra-lean ground beef for main protein and hearty flavor base

– 1 packet (about 24g) taco seasoning for spicy, savory kick

– 1 tablespoon butter for creamy texture and richness

– 1 cup milk for smooth, cheesy sauce

– 2ΒΌ cups hot water for speeding up cooking and even cooking

– 1 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes for moisture and tangy element

– Uncooked macaroni from two standard boxes for chewy base

– Powdered cheese mix from two standard boxes for creamy cheese flavor

Instructions

1-First Step: Start by preparing your ingredients: Gather 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 cup of milk, 2ΒΌ cups of hot water, 1 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, uncooked macaroni from two standard boxes, and the powdered cheese mix from those boxes. This mise en place ensures everything is ready to go for smooth cooking.

2-Second Step: Cook the ground beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up large chunks, until it’s no longer pink. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter and healthier.

3-Third Step: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef and cook for one minute, stirring it in to evenly distribute the flavors and let the spices bloom.

4-Fourth Step: Stir in 2ΒΌ cups of hot water, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, the canned diced tomatoes, and the uncooked macaroni from two standard boxes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5-Fifth Step: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the macaroni isn’t fully cooked, add a little more water and cook for another minute to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.

6-Final Step: Add the powdered cheese mix from the two boxes and stir well until everything is creamy and combined. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl, serve hot, and enjoy your Kraft Dinner with Ground Beef. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days, making this a great option for meal prep.

Last Step:

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Notes

⏲️ Extend cooking time to 9-10 minutes for the macaroni since it’s simmering with liquids and beef, ensuring perfect al dente texture without sogginess.
🍝 Check doneness by testing a single piece of pasta every 30 seconds near the end to nail the ideal tenderness tailored to your preference.
🌢️ Customize spice level by using half a taco seasoning packet if you want milder flavors, or add fresh diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 427 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1110 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 67 mg