Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese : Comfort Food Your Family Will Love!

Name: Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 1 cup Guinness stout; 2 cups sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup milk; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on January 19, 2026

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This Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the cheese or toss in some veggies to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz elbow macaroni: A classic choice for macaroni and cheese! You can use other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi for fun textures.
1 cup Guinness stout: This dark beer adds an amazing depth of flavor! If you’re not a stout fan, any dark beer will work. But really, Guinness is so delicious in this.
2 cups sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar gives you that nice tang and creaminess you want in mac and cheese. Feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness!
1 cup milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but you can use whatever you’ve got 2% works, too. I’ve even used oat milk in a pinch!
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: This adds an incredible layer of flavor that really elevates the dish. If you’re not into Dijon, yellow mustard will subsitute just fine.
2 tbsp butter: Real butter, there’s really no substitute! This is where the magic begins.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: To thicken up our cheese sauce. It creates that luscious creamy texture that hugs each macaroni piece!
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches to make it sing!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. The smell? It’s heavenly!
Add the flour: Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute until it turns golden and smells toasty (this helps remove that raw flour taste).
Whisk in liquids: Gradually whisk in the Guinness stout and milk, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 3-5 minutes). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat.
Add mustard and season: Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Trust me, you really want this flavor.
Cheesy goodness: Add the shredded sharp Irish cheddar cheese and stir until melty and smooth (this is my favorite part, so gooey!).
Combine with pasta: Fold in the cooked macaroni until it’s all nice and coated with that delicious cheese sauce.
Serve warm: Dish it out while it’s still hot. I promise, your family will be begging for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Oh, let me share why this Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese is my absolute go-to recipe. First off, it’s pure comfort food, the kind that wraps around you like a warm hug after a long day. I mean, who can resist a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta? And the best part is, you can customize it so easily. I’m a real sucker for throwing in whatever leftover meats or veggies I have on hand, like crispy bacon or sautéed broccoli because the more, the merrier!

I have to say, seeing my kids’ eyes light up as they dig in? Well, that’s priceless. It’s my weeknight winner, and I think it will be for you too!

If you loved this Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese, be sure to check out my Slow-Cooked Irish Meat & Potato Pie, my Broccoli Chicken Casserole, or my Red Pepper Pasta Bake!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

This mac and cheese is loaded with tons of flavor, making it a true comfort food favorite! Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

Quick & Easy

It comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when dinner feels like a race. I mean, who doesn’t love quick and easy meals?

Minimal Cleanup Required

We’re using just one pot, which means you’ll have less to wash. Yay for less cleanup!

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand add in crumbled sausage, spicy jalapeños, or mixed veggies. That’s the secret to keeping it fresh!

Budget-Friendly

All these ingredients are super affordable, making this recipe a win for your wallet too.

Serving & Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

This mac and cheese is delicious on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted veggies for a delightful, balanced meal.

Storage

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools down first!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, the best method to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to help regain that creamy texture. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix, but keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this mac and cheese can be frozen! Just make sure to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of beer?
Absolutely! Any dark beer or even a light lager will work. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor a bit.

What kind of cheese can I substitute?
You can get creative with cheeses! Mozzarella, gouda, or smoked cheese adds a nice twist. Just make sure it melts easily.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead. Just mix them together when you’re ready to serve!

Every time I whip up this Guinness Stout Mac and Cheese, it never fails to bring a smile. You’ll want to savor each bite, each creamy, cheesy swirl of deliciousness. And the best part? It’s easy to make, culinary magic in under 30 minutes! Now, go on and give this a try. Your family will be singing its praises, and you’ll feel like a rock star in the kitchen!

Don’t forget to tag me in your delicious creations, I’d love to see what variations you come up with!

There you have it! Your new favorite weeknight dinner is just minutes away. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.