Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup
Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Clinton Svatos on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 21 min
Cost: $23.88 total, $5.97 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, thawed)
- 1 box (7.25 oz) Boxed Macaroni and Cheese (Includes pasta and cheese sauce packet)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Tomato Soup (condensed) (Regular condensed tomato soup)
- 1 cup Water (For cooking pasta)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional) (Adds extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Measure out all ingredients and set out the skillet, spoon, measuring cup, and can opener.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Skillet
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and let it warm for about a minute.
Time: PT1M
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Drain Excess Fat
Tilt the skillet and spoon out the rendered fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Time: PT1M
Add Tomato Soup and Water
Stir in the can of tomato soup and 1 cup of water, mixing until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Macaroni and Cheese
Add the dry macaroni and the cheese sauce packet from the box, stirring to combine.
Time: PT1M
Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT5M
Add Optional Cheese
If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover for 1 minute to melt.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Spoon the hot mixture onto plates and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: High-Protein, Budget-Friendly, Comfort Food
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Boxed Macaroni and Cheese: Any boxed mac and cheese, Homemade mac and cheese
- Instead of Tomato Soup (condensed): Cream of tomato soup, Tomato sauce diluted with water
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Any meltable cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Deep Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Measuring Cup
- Can Opener (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked (no pink).
- Simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- If adding extra cheese, ensure it melts completely before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a leaner version, use 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor depth.
- Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness.
Troubleshooting
Ground beef still looks pink after cooking
Continue cooking for another 2‑3 minutes and ensure the pan is at medium‑high heat; use a meat thermometer to confirm 160°F.
Pasta is undercooked or too firm
Add an extra ¼ cup of water or broth, cover, and simmer for an additional 2‑3 minutes.
Sauce is too thick or dry
Stir in a splash of milk, water, or broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 2 months; reheat to a rolling boil before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate; reheat before adding soup and pasta.
- Prepare the cheese sauce separately and store; combine when ready to serve.
- Portion leftovers into single‑serve containers for quick microwave reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheap comfort meals like Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup in American low‑income cuisine?
Dishes that combine inexpensive proteins, boxed carbs, and canned soups have long been staples for families on limited budgets, especially during the 1980s and 1990s when food stamps were a primary resource for many households. They embody the American ethos of making a filling, tasty meal with minimal cost.
How did food‑stamp programs influence the popularity of recipes such as Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup in the United States?
Food‑stamp (now SNAP) benefits allowed low‑income families to purchase staple items like ground beef, boxed macaroni, and canned soups at subsidized prices, making recipes that combine these items extremely popular as they stretched dollars while providing comfort and nutrition.
What occasions or celebrations is Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, this dish is often served as a quick weeknight dinner, a pot‑luck comfort food, or a budget‑friendly meal for after‑school gatherings and community events where feeding many people affordably is key.
What regional variations exist for a ground‑beef‑mac‑and‑cheese style dish within the United States?
In the Midwest, cooks may add corn or diced tomatoes; in the South, a splash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning is common; West Coast versions sometimes swap regular cheese for a sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a milder flavor profile.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
The classic recipe uses 80% lean ground beef, a standard boxed macaroni‑and‑cheese, and condensed tomato soup. Acceptable substitutes include ground turkey or chicken, homemade mac and cheese, and cream‑of‑tomato soup diluted with water.
What other American comfort dishes pair well with Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup?
Serve alongside a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to add freshness and texture. A side of pickles or coleslaw also balances the richness of the main dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup?
Common errors include under‑cooking the ground beef, not adding enough liquid for the pasta to hydrate, and letting the sauce dry out by cooking uncovered for too long. Follow the timing steps and keep the pan covered while the pasta cooks.
Why does this recipe use condensed tomato soup instead of fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce?
Condensed tomato soup provides a smooth, creamy base with added seasonings, allowing the dish to come together in under 10 minutes without extra chopping or simmering, which aligns with the goal of a quick, low‑cost meal.
Can I make Ground Beef Mac & Cheese with Tomato Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce thickens.
What does the YouTube channel Clinton Svatos specialize in?
The YouTube channel Clinton Svatos focuses on ultra‑budget, quick‑prep meals, often highlighting recipes that are affordable for families on food stamps or tight grocery budgets, with a casual, home‑cooking style.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
