Comfort Food Mac & Beef

Comfort Food Mac & Beef is a hearty, one-pot American casserole that combines elbow macaroni with seasoned ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It's a staple of home cooking and diner menus, often made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, onions, and a blend of cheddar and American cheese. The dish is a classic example of 'stick-to-your-ribs' comfort food from the United States.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced but indulgent source of energy, being high in carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the beef, with a significant amount of fat from the cheese and meat. A typical serving provides a good dose of iron, calcium, and B vitamins, and generally ranges from 500 to 700 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	580 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	890 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Calcium	320 mg
Vitamin B12	2.8 mcg
Potassium	450 mg
Zinc	5.2 mg
Phosphorus	380 mg
Niacin (B3)	7.5 mg
Selenium	35 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a beloved 'blue-plate special' that represents resourceful, economical family cooking. Nutritionally, it's a complete meal in a bowl, though its high sodium and saturated fat content make it a classic 'sometimes' food rather than an everyday health choice.