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Creamy French Onion Beef Mac and Cheese topped with shredded French onion braised chuck roast, melted Gruyère cheese, toasted panko breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley.

French Onion Beef Mac and Cheese

This French Onion Beef Mac and Cheese combines tender French Onion Braised Chuck Roast, rich Gruyère cheese, mozzarella, white cheddar, and a creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort food casserole. Finished with buttery panko, melted cheese, and fresh parsley, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish packed with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: game day, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
Beef
  • 1½ pounds prepared French Onion Braised Chuck Roast
  • ½ cup reserved French onion braising liquid
Cheese Sauce
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ cup additional Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • 9x13 baking dish or large cast iron skillet
  • Whisk
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Prepare French Onion Braised Chuck Roast according to recipe instructions.
  3. Reserve 1½ pounds shredded beef and ½ cup braising liquid.
  4. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions.
  5. Drain and set aside.
  6. Shred all cheeses.
Instructions
    Make the Cheese Sauce
    1. Melt butter in a large pot.
    2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
    3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.
    4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    5. Simmer until thick and smooth.
    6. Reduce heat to low.
    7. Add Gruyère, mozzarella, and white cheddar.
    8. Stir until completely melted and silky smooth.
    Assemble
    1. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
    2. Add shredded French Onion Braised Chuck Roast.
    3. Pour in reserved braising liquid.
    4. Stir until thoroughly combined.
    5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet.
    Add the Topping
    1. Combine panko and melted butter.
    2. Sprinkle panko mixture evenly over the top.
    3. Add remaining Gruyère cheese.
    4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
    Bake
    1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
    2. If the topping begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
    3. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for additional color if desired.
    Finish
    1. Remove from oven.
    2. Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes.
    3. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving.

    Notes

    • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
    • The French Onion Braised Chuck Roast already contains caramelized onions, herbs, and rich beef flavor, so no additional onions are needed.
    • Reserve some braising liquid from the roast recipe—it adds incredible richness to the cheese sauce.
    • If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
    • For maximum cheese pull, serve while hot.
    • This recipe reheats exceptionally well.