Mac & Cheese With Mince: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that can be spiced up in many ways. One way to add a twist to the traditional recipe is by adding mince. This recipe is a great way to feed a crowd, as it can stretch 500g of mince to serve eight people. The dish typically involves cooking macaroni pasta and beef mince with spices and a cheese sauce, which is then baked in the oven.

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Prep and cook time

This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 45 minutes.

Prep

First, gather and prepare your ingredients. Chop half an onion and half a green or red pepper, and measure out your spices. Measure 250g of macaroni, 500g of beef mince, 300g of grated cheddar, 3 tbsp of butter, 2 tbsp of sunflower oil, 2 tbsp of flour, 1 litre of milk, a handful of breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste. You will also need 2 tbsp of beef soup, 1 tsp of steak spice, and 1/2 cup of water.

Cooking

Once you have prepared your ingredients, heat some olive oil and butter in a saucepan. Fry the onion until it is caramelised, then add the garlic and fry for another minute. Next, add the beef mince, spices, and steak spice, and brown the mince. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, whisking continuously. Then, add the milk all at once, continuing to whisk. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste, and keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and mix in the cheddar.

Place the cooked pasta in a large casserole dish. Pour over the cooked mince and spread it out evenly. Pour the sauce over the mince and pasta. Sprinkle with a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella, and bake at 170 degrees Celsius until golden brown, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250 g macaroni
• 500 g beef mince
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Durban masala
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 x 25 ml sachet beef demi-glace
• 1 x 400 g can chopped Italian tomatoes, blended
• 60 g butter
• 50 g flour
• 1 litre milk
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 100 g Cheddar cheese, grated
• Mozzarella and Cheddar, grated, for sprinkling
• Olive oil

Some recipes also suggest adding a handful of breadcrumbs and a pinch of black pepper to taste.

You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, or other types of pasta, such as elbow macaroni.

Cooking method

To cook macaroni and cheese with mince, you will need the following ingredients:

• Macaroni
• Mince (beef)
• Onion
• Butter
• Oil
• Spices (such as Durban masala, red chilli powder, cumin, garam masala, celery salt, and coriander)
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Optional: breadcrumbs, steak and chops spice, beef soup, green or red pepper, salt, and pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Mince

• Heat some olive oil and butter in a saucepan. The amount will depend on your preference and the number of servings, but a good ratio is 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter for a hearty portion.
• Fry a chopped onion in the oil and butter mixture until it is caramelized.
• Add chopped garlic to the saucepan and fry for another minute, infusing the oil with flavor.
• Put in the beef mince and your choice of spices. For an authentic South African flavor, use Durban masala. You can also add red chilli powder, cumin, garam masala, celery salt, and coriander according to your taste preferences. Fry the mixture until the mince is browned.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• Melt some butter in a separate saucepan and add flour to create a roux. The ratio should be around 60g of butter to 50g of flour. Cook this mixture, stirring continuously, until it turns golden.
• Slowly whisk in milk—about 1 liter—and continue whisking until the sauce thickens. You can add more or less milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Season the sauce with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
• Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and mix in grated cheddar cheese. You can add more or less cheese to suit your preference.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

• Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
• Place the cooked macaroni in a large casserole dish or baking tray.
• Spread the cooked mince mixture over the macaroni.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the mince and macaroni.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
• Bake the dish in the oven at 170°C until it is golden brown and bubbling, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious macaroni and cheese with mince!

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Serving suggestions

This recipe is a hearty meal that can be served as a comforting dinner or lunch. It yields a generous amount of food, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends. Here are some serving suggestions for your macaroni and cheese with mince:

• As a Main Course: This dish is a complete meal in itself and can be served as a main course. It is a hearty and satisfying option that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in a large casserole dish, straight from the oven, and let everyone help themselves to a generous portion.
• With a Salad: To balance out the richness of the dish, consider serving it with a fresh and crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a more substantial salad with roasted vegetables and a mustardy dressing would pair well.
• As Part of a Buffet: If you're hosting a buffet-style meal, this macaroni and cheese with mince can be an excellent addition to the spread. It's a dish that can be kept warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker, ensuring it stays tasty and enjoyable throughout the event.
• For a Potluck: This recipe is ideal for taking to a potluck dinner or lunch. It's easy to transport and can be reheated if needed. Its familiarity and comforting nature make it a popular choice for potluck gatherings.
• Individual Servings: For a fun presentation, consider serving individual portions in small, oven-safe dishes. This way, each serving has a crispy, golden crust, and you can even add personalized toppings for each guest.
• With a Hearty Bread: For a truly indulgent experience, serve this dish with a crusty, fresh-baked bread, such as a sourdough or a rustic white loaf. It's perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce and soaking up every last bit.

Feel free to adjust these serving suggestions to suit your preferences and the occasion. This versatile dish can be dressed up or down and is sure to be a hit with those who enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal.

Storage and reheating

Macaroni and cheese with mince is a delicious dish that can be stored and reheated to enjoy again later. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store and reheat this tasty treat:

Storage

Before storing your leftover macaroni and cheese with mince, allow it to cool down to room temperature. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its shelf life. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable ziploc bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for 3 to 5 days.

If you have a large batch and don't plan on eating it within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 2-4 months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover macaroni and cheese with mince, there are several reheating methods to choose from:

• Stovetop: This method is ideal for reheating larger batches or if you prefer a creamy texture. Add your leftover mac and cheese to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in some milk to add moisture and help retain the creaminess. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For extra creaminess, stir in a little butter and shredded cheese.
• Microwave: The microwave is perfect for quick reheating of small servings. Transfer your leftover mac and cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and stir. Reheat in short 30-60 second bursts, stirring after each burst, until heated through. Add butter and shredded cheese for extra creaminess if desired.
• Oven: If you want to retain that oven-fresh flavor and crunch, the oven is your best bet. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, drizzle milk down the sides, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until warmed through, checking after 40 minutes. For a crispy top, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

No matter which reheating method you choose, always ensure your macaroni and cheese is completely thawed if frozen. You can do this by letting it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Enjoy your delicious, freshly reheated macaroni and cheese with mince!

Frequently asked questions