Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Ground Beef and Spinach is a flavorful twist on the ultimate comfort food—classic mac and cheese. While mac and cheese on its own is beloved for its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this version elevates it with the hearty addition of seasoned ground beef, the earthy richness of fresh spinach, and a well-balanced blend of cheeses. It’s a recipe that was born out of experimentation, a bit of culinary curiosity, and a desire for something both nostalgic and nourishing.
This dish took shape after I lost my original go-to mac and cheese recipe that I created about a year ago. That initial version was a revelation; I’d always appreciated pasta and cheese separately, but combining them into the iconic baked dish finally showed me what all the fuss was about. The first iteration struck a perfect balance between indulgence and flavor—each bite was silky, rich, and satisfying. Sadly, without the exact steps and ingredient list, future attempts fell short, leading me to revisit and ultimately reinvent the dish using inspiration from multiple sources.
In this version, I decided to add ground beef, which not only enhances the dish with extra protein but also adds a robust, savory depth. Seasoned with a touch of garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, the beef mixes beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce and helps transform this from a simple side dish into a complete, satisfying main course.
Spinach joined the equation for a touch of freshness and nutrition. Leafy greens in baked pasta may sound unusual to some, but spinach wilts down perfectly and blends in without overpowering the dish. It adds color, texture, and a subtle bitterness that balances the creamy sauce.
What truly makes this recipe standout is the roux-based cheese sauce—a culinary technique worth mastering. The combination of butter and flour cooked into a paste and gradually whisked with a mix of milk and chicken stock forms a luscious base. The stock especially plays an important role. Using chicken stock instead of only milk keeps the sauce rich but not overly thick or heavy. Once you stir in shredded mozzarella and cheddar, the real magic happens. They melt into the sauce, creating that smooth, irresistible cheese pull everyone loves.
Topped with Parmesan and a golden breadcrumb crust, it’s baked until bubbly and just crisp on top. Each element, from the gooey interior to the crunchy finish, contributes to a balanced and satisfying dish. And while it’s not exactly weeknight-quick—it takes around an hour to put together—it’s well worth the effort for a special dinner, potluck, or cozy weekend meal.
Best of all, this dish is highly adaptable. You can swap the beef for chicken or crispy bacon, use broccoli instead of spinach, or mix and match your favorite cheeses. The heart of the meal lies in its comforting texture and flavor, which can be tailored to suit your preferences. Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Ground Beef and Spinach isn’t just comfort food—it’s a testament to how classic recipes can grow and evolve in your own kitchen.
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Ground Beef and Spinach
Ingredients
1 package macaroni
¼ pound ground beef (minced beef)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
½ bunch spinach - chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 small green onions (scallions or green shallots) - chopped
4 cloves garlic - chopped
¼ cup all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK)
1 cup chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon)- 2 cups whole milk
8 ounces Mozzarella cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Boil water for the macaroni, cook until al dente, drain.
- Brown the ground beef, I added salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano (a pinch or so of each) for additional flavour.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the flour, cook and whisk
- Add the shallot and garlic, cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken stock and milk, whisking often.
- Turn up the heat, let boil or almost boil until it thickens.
- Add the mozzarella and cheddar and keep whisking until they melt.
- Mix the beef, spinach, macaroni and sauce, pour into a casserole dish, top with parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
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