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Easy Macaroni and Beef with Cheese Casserole

Rose
This Easy Macaroni and Beef with Cheese Casserole is a classic comfort food made with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot For cooking pasta
  • large skillet For browning beef and making sauce
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • colander For draining pasta
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g elbow macaroni
  • 500 g lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 720 ml marinara-style pasta sauce
  • 400 g diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 200 g cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just slightly under al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed, then add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  • Add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce and stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover, add the remaining cheddar and mozzarella, and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente to avoid a mushy casserole. Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so it sets properly. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or adjust the cheese blend to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 4.2mg
Keyword cheesy beef pasta bake, comfort food casserole, easy family dinner, macaroni and beef casserole
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