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Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole

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Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole

Description

Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate family comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich homemade flavor. Tender elbow macaroni is layered with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, then topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The beef is simmered with onions, garlic, Italian herbs, and marinara sauce to create a rich, flavorful filling that perfectly coats every bite of pasta. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into a creamy, golden topping while the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce underneath. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. It can also be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Layer

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and toss with olive oil.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. If using ricotta, spoon small dollops over the sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and a little Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Add the Final Layer

Repeat with the remaining macaroni, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, making sure the cheese completely covers the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it slice neatly.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Notes

  • Cook the macaroni just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
  • Italian sausage can replace ground beef for a richer flavor.
  • Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months.

Q&A

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, shells, or rigatoni all work beautifully.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this casserole?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple garden salad pair perfectly.

Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend all make delicious alternatives.

Servings

Serves: 8 people

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 545
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 790mg

Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole is a classic comfort-food favorite featuring tender elbow macaroni, rich homemade meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted mozzarella cheese baked until golden and bubbly. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this hearty casserole delivers warm, satisfying flavor in every cheesy bite. 🍝🧀🥩

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