Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole
A comforting and hearty dish that combines cheesy goodness with ground beef, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 pound ground beef (substitute with turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Dairy and Seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra melty goodness)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or diced bell peppers for crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil a salted pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Mixing and Baking
- Add the tomato sauce, cooked pasta, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with additional cheese or breadcrumbs for topping.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Notes
This casserole can be customized with whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber. Swap milk for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture without extra calories.