Looking for a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This beef and macaroni casserole is the perfect dish for you. Imagine tender pasta mixed with juicy ground beef, all covered in a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. It's like a big, delicious hug in a baking dish. Plus, it's really easy to make.
You don't need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills—just some simple stuff from your pantry and fridge. In about an hour, you can have a hearty meal that will make everyone's tummy happy. So, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, this recipe is super easy to make. You don't need to be a chef to whip up this delicious meal. The ingredients are straightforward, and you probably have most of them at home already. The steps are simple too: brown the beef, cook the pasta, mix them with sauce, and bake. That's it! It’s a great go-to recipe for busy weekdays, or when you're just not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, this casserole is super versatile. Want to add some veggies? Go ahead! Prefer a different kind of cheese? No problem! You can tweak this recipe to match your family's taste buds. The basic beef and macaroni combination is a classic that’s hard to mess up, making it a reliable choice that you can customize as you like. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults, making meal times hassle-free and happy.
Ingredients
Ground Beef - This is the protein of the dish. Make sure to get lean beef for less fat. Substitute: Ground turkey or plant-based meat.
Elbow Macaroni - Small, curved pasta that holds the sauce well. Substitute: Any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Tomato Sauce - Adds the tomato base and flavor. Substitute: Crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce.
Cheese - I recommend cheddar for a rich, tangy flavor. Substitute: Mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Onion - Gives an extra layer of flavor. Substitute: Onion powder or a small leek.
Tips
- Pre-cook the pasta to just under al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain the beef well to remove excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.
- If using substitutes, adjust the seasoning as needed.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- You can prepare this ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
How to Serve
This beef and macaroni casserole is hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners. Serve it hot right out of the oven for the best experience.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad complements the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread makes this a super comforting meal.
- Steamed Veggies: Light steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots can balance out the meal.
Similar Recipes
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Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Beef and Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can 15-ounce tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions but stop just short of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain the fat.
- Mix the cooked beef and onion with tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the macaroni, then half of the beef mixture, then half of the cheese. Repeat for the second layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pre-cook the pasta to just under al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain the beef well to remove excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.
- If using substitutes, adjust the seasoning as needed.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- You can prepare this ahead of time and bake it just before serving.