Cheesy Beef Queso Mac Recipe : 30-Minute Easy Dinner with Ground Beef

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Are you searching for quick dinner ideas that satisfy everyone at the table? Look no further than this Cheesy Beef Queso Mac – a game-changing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. This dish perfectly combines lean ground beef, creamy queso dip, and chickpea pasta to create a healthier twist on classic comfort food. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner solution, this easy hamburger meat recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Queso Mac

This recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks. First, it’s incredibly fast – most of your prep happens while the pasta boils, making it one of the most efficient easy meals with ground beef you’ll ever make. Second, it uses simple pantry staples and readily available ingredients from your local grocery store. Third, the combination of lean ground beef and chickpea pasta adds protein and fiber, making it a more balanced choice among ground meat recipes for dinner. Finally, the smoky chipotle seasoning and creamy queso create an irresistible flavor profile that beats takeout every single time.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe special. Using a quality pot for your pasta and a reliable frying pan for your beef ensures even cooking and perfect results.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Results

Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier. You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a spacious frying pan or skillet for browning beef, and basic kitchen utensils for stirring. A kitchen scale helps with precise measurements, while measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. If you’re melting the cheese under the broiler, an oven-safe skillet is essential.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Start by filling your pot with salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out. Once boiling, add the Banza pasta elbows and cook them for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This slight undercooking prevents mushiness when you mix the pasta with the sauce later. Chickpea pasta tends to soften more than traditional pasta, so this timing adjustment is crucial. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.

Cooking the Seasoned Beef

While your pasta cooks, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat with the olive oil. The oil should shimmer but not smoke – that’s your perfect temperature indicator. Add the ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it into smaller pieces with your kitchen utensils. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and kosher salt. This spice blend creates the signature smoky, savory flavor profile that makes this dish special.

Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the beef and continue stirring, ensuring the meat browns evenly and no pink remains. This should take approximately 6-8 minutes. The lean beef will release minimal fat, which is why we added olive oil at the beginning. Once fully cooked, add the Chipotle Cholula hot sauce and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the liquid evaporates and the sauce coats the beef perfectly.

Creating the Cheesy Sauce

Reduce your heat to low – this prevents the queso from separating or becoming grainy. Add the entire jar of queso dip to the seasoned beef and stir gently using your kitchen utensils until everything combines into a smooth, creamy sauce. The low heat allows the queso to melt gradually and incorporate the beef’s seasoning without breaking. Once the sauce looks uniform and silky, fold in your drained pasta, tossing everything together until every piece is coated in that luscious cheese sauce.

The Final Touch

For an irresistible cheese-pull finish, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack over the top of your Cheesy Beef Queso Mac. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly under a high broil setting in your oven for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The cheese should bubble and develop golden-brown spots. Alternatively, you can stir the Monterey Jack directly into the queso before adding the pasta for a more integrated cheese flavor. Both methods deliver delicious results – the broiled version just adds that restaurant-quality presentation.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Chickpea pasta continues cooking when mixed with hot sauce, so undercooking prevents mushiness
• Adjust the heat level: Control spiciness by choosing mild or hot versions of chipotle powder and hot sauce
• Make it creamier: Add a splash of milk or heavy cream if you prefer an even richer sauce
• Meal prep friendly: This reheats beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
• Customize your toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or crushed chipotle peppers add extra flavor and texture
• Use quality queso: Trader Joe’s queso is excellent, but any good-quality jarred queso works perfectly

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile compared to traditional mac and cheese. The 96/4 lean ground beef provides high-quality protein with minimal saturated fat. Chickpea pasta delivers more protein and fiber than regular pasta, helping you feel satisfied longer. Using measured amounts of cheese and queso keeps the indulgence in check while still delivering that creamy, comforting texture we all crave. It’s proof that healthy dinner recipes don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Variations to Try

Transform this base recipe into endless variations. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken recipes to change up the protein. Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra vegetables and nutrition. Mix in black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex twist. Use different pasta shapes like rotini or shells to change the texture. Replace the Monterey Jack with pepper jack for additional heat, or try a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor. The possibilities for these easy meals with ground beef are truly endless.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Beef Queso Mac stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire dinner experience. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. Add tortilla chips and fresh salsa for textural contrast. A side of Mexican street corn or roasted vegetables rounds out the plate perfectly. For gatherings, this recipe works wonderfully as a main dish that pleases crowds of all ages.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so add a splash of milk or water when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat larger portions in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. The dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months, though the pasta texture may change slightly upon thawing. This makes it perfect for those lazy dinners when you want a homemade meal without the effort.

Why This Beats Boxed Mac and Cheese

When comparing this homemade version to boxed mac and cheese, the differences are remarkable. You control the quality of every ingredient, from the lean beef to the real cheese. The protein content far exceeds standard boxed versions, keeping you fuller longer. The chipotle seasoning adds complexity that processed cheese powder simply cannot match. Most importantly, making this from scratch takes barely longer than preparing a box mix, especially when you consider boiling water time. Once you master this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the blue box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works perfectly in this recipe. Traditional elbow macaroni, penne, or shells all substitute well. Just follow the cooking instructions on your pasta package and remember to slightly undercook for best results. The cooking time may vary, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.

What if I can’t find Trader Joe’s queso?

No problem – any good-quality jarred queso dip from your grocery store works beautifully. Look for brands like Tostitos, On the Border, or store brands in the chip and dip aisle. You can also use Velveeta cheese sauce or make your own queso from scratch using real cheese, milk, and seasonings.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the heat by adding extra chipotle chili powder, using a spicier hot sauce variety, or incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also substitute pepper jack cheese for the Monterey Jack topping. For extreme heat, add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce directly to the finished dish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

The base recipe has moderate spice, but you can easily make it milder for children. Reduce or omit the chipotle powder and hot sauce, and use a mild queso dip. Kids generally love the cheesy pasta aspect, and you can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want extra kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe meal preps wonderfully. Cook everything except the final cheese topping, let it cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat in a pot or oven, add the cheese topping, and broil until bubbly. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

What’s the best way to brown ground beef evenly?

Start with a properly heated frying pan and break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of browning. Stir frequently with quality kitchen utensils and let the meat develop a light crust before mixing in the seasonings. Using lean beef helps prevent excess grease.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Queso Mac represents everything great about quick dinner ideas – it’s fast, flavorful, uses accessible ingredients, and satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of smoky chipotle seasoning, creamy queso, and perfectly cooked beef creates a dish that rivals restaurant offerings while keeping your grocery budget in check. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a crowd, or simply need comfort food after a long day, this recipe delivers every single time. The best part? Once you master this base recipe, you can customize it endlessly to suit your family’s preferences. From switching proteins to adjusting spice levels, this flexible recipe adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Equipment List

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any url to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!

• Pots – Essential for boiling pasta perfectly
• Frying Pans – Large skillet for browning beef and combining ingredients
• Kitchen Utensils – Spatulas and spoons for stirring
• Colander Strainer Basket – For draining pasta efficiently
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – Accurate measurements for perfect results
• Mixing Bowls – For combining spices
• Kitchen Scale – Precise ingredient measurements
• Oven – For broiling the cheese topping

Cheesy Beef Queso Mac Recipe : 30-Minute Easy Dinner with Ground Beef

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Transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food with this Cheesy Beef Queso Mac. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines lean ground beef, smoky chipotle seasoning, creamy queso dip, and protein-rich chickpea pasta for a healthier twist on classic mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy dinners!

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

1 lb Lean Ground Beef (96/4)

1 Tbsp (16g) Olive Oil

2 tsp Ground Chipotle Chili Powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp White Pepper (or black pepper)

1 tsp Kosher Salt

1/4 C (60g) Chipotle Cholula Hot Sauce (or your choice of hot sauce)

8 oz Banza Pasta Elbows

12 oz jar Queso Dip (Trader Joe’s recommended)

3/4 C (84g) Shredded Monterey Jack, optional topping

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. Cook the pasta for 2-3 minutes less than instructed on its packaging.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef.

3. Mix the spices in a small bowl and add to the top of the ground beef. Stir the ground beef and continue cooking until no pink remains.

4. Add the chipotle Cholula and cook until no liquid remains, about 30 seconds.

5. Reduce the heat to low and add the queso. Stir to fully incorporate before adding the cooked pasta.

6. Top with cheese and place under a high broil in your oven for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese. (Or you could stir in the cheese with the queso before adding the cooked pasta.) Top with crushed chipotle peppers and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chickpea pasta – it softens more than regular pasta when combined with hot sauce.

Adjust spice level by using mild or hot versions of chipotle powder and hot sauce.

For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the queso.

Meal prep friendly – stores in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Any quality jarred queso works if you can’t find Trader Joe’s brand.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for variation.