Description
This hearty Mined Beef Mac 'n' Cheese combines tender minced beef with a medley of vegetables, macaroni pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Cooked in one pan, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 stick of celery (roughly chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef (ground beef)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree (tomato paste)
- 300 g (10.5 oz) macaroni pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 800 g finely chopped tomatoes (2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins)
- 360 ml (1 ½ cups) beef stock
- 120 ml (½ cup) full-fat milk
- 200 g (2 packed cups) mixed grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, creating a flavorful vegetable base.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan (skillet) over high heat to prepare for frying the meat and vegetables.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Add the chopped vegetable mix, minced beef, salt, and black pepper to the hot pan. Fry for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is lightly browned and the vegetables soften.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato puree to enrich the sauce with deep tomato flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the macaroni, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, chopped tinned tomatoes, beef stock, and milk to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the Macaroni: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and simmer gently for 12-14 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until macaroni is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in half of the grated cheese to melt into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- Finish with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover with the lid again, and cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little black pepper over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Mined Beef Mac 'n' Cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace minced beef with plant-based mince and use vegetable stock.
- Use full-fat milk and mixed cheese for the richest flavor and texture.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
