Skillet Baked Beefy Mac and Cheese

Skillet Baked Beefy Mac and Cheese turns a weeknight classic into a heartier, one-pan meal. Pre's 85% lean ground beef browns in the same skillet as the toasted panko, then folds into a creamy cheddar-parmesan sauce before a quick bake crisps the top. Lean beef keeps the dish rich without feeling heavy, and a broiler finish adds the golden crust a good baked mac and cheese needs.

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6

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Beefy Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 1-pound package Pre 85% lean ground beef

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk

• Black pepper, to taste

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

• 1½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

  
  

Instructions:

1. Season Pre 85% lean ground beef with pinch of salt. Brown in ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside. (Why: high heat creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction.)

2. Heat oven to 375º F.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in same skillet over medium-low heat. Add breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon salt. Toast crumbs, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown. Remove breadcrumbs from skillet and set aside.

4. Place uncooked macaroni in large bowl and cover with hot water. Soak 10 minutes, then drain well, shaking colander to remove excess water trapped in elbows.

5. Return skillet to stove over medium-high heat and melt remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and whisk to combine. Add milk, ½ cup at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition.

6. Add remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to simmer and starts to thicken, 2 to 3 minutes.

7. Set aside ⅔ cup cheese. Add remaining cheddar and parmesan to sauce, stirring just until melted. Stir in drained macaroni until evenly coated.

8. Stir browned ground beef back into mac and cheese. Top with reserved cheese, followed by toasted breadcrumbs.

9. Bake skillet, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes. Place under broiler 1 to 2 minutes for crispy, browned top.

10. Let beefy mac and cheese rest 10 minutes before serving. (Why: resting lets sauce set slightly for cleaner slices.)