Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

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This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole has been my go-to dinner on hectic weeknights and cozy weekends alike. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and rarely leaves leftovers. The combination of tender pasta, hearty seasoned beef, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection is pure comfort on a plate. I’ve made it for potlucks, casual dinners, and even as a make-ahead freezer meal, and it never disappoints.

What I love most is how customizable and budget-friendly this dish is. It uses pantry staples and ingredients that are probably already sitting in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunches for the week, this casserole ticks all the boxes — satisfying, easy, and packed with bold, familiar flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

It’s the kind of recipe that’s made for real life — quick to prepare, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll appreciate the minimal cleanup (just one pan for the beef and one baking dish), and the fact that you can prepare it ahead of time or even freeze it. Kids love it. Adults love it. And that cheesy top layer? Absolutely irresistible.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice here because its curves hold onto the meaty sauce and cheese so well, giving each bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor. However, you can easily swap in rotini, penne, or cavatappi — anything with ridges or a hollow shape will do a great job of capturing the rich, savory sauce. Just make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling; it will continue cooking in the oven.

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Options for Substitutions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative to beef that still adds great flavor.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: There are great melting dairy-free cheeses on the market if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Different Cheese Mixes: Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, or go bold with pepper jack for a spicy kick.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

• Elbow Macaroni: The base of the dish, it absorbs the sauce and provides that signature comforting bite.
• Ground Beef: Brings savory depth and heartiness. Go for 80/20 for a balance of flavor and lean texture.
• Onion: Diced onion builds flavor from the ground up, adding a slightly sweet and aromatic base.
• Garlic: A couple of minced cloves give the beef a fragrant, savory boost.
• Tomato Sauce: The rich, tangy tomato base that coats every piece of pasta and binds the casserole together.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meatiness of the sauce and helps everything simmer smoothly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic cheesy pull and bold taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring everything together.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Optional Seasonings: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook since it will continue cooking in the oven.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.

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Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Add Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to deepen in flavor and thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything until well combined and the pasta is fully coated with sauce.

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Step 6: Assemble in Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

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Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

Prep Time:

The active preparation time for this casserole is about 20 minutes. That includes boiling the pasta, browning the beef, and creating the flavorful tomato-based sauce. While the pasta boils, you can multitask by cooking the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.

Bake Time:

The casserole bakes for 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), just enough time to melt the cheese and let everything bubble together. Allow a 5-10 minute rest before serving to help the casserole set.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
• Shred your own cheese for best melt and flavor—pre-shredded blends often contain anti-caking agents.
• Use high-quality tomato sauce or add a pinch of sugar if your sauce is too acidic.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to make slicing and serving easier.
• Mix in extra cheese between the pasta layers for gooey texture throughout.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It can become mushy after baking.
• Skipping the seasoning: Make sure the beef mixture is well seasoned before combining with pasta.
• Too much grease: Always drain excess fat from the cooked beef or your casserole may turn oily.
• Using low-moisture cheese only: It won’t melt as well as fresh shredded cheese.
• Not greasing the baking dish: This can lead to sticking and make cleanup harder.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy and buttery garlic bread complements the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.

2. Green Salad

A light, tangy salad with vinaigrette balances out the hearty main dish.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Simple oven-roasted broccoli adds a healthy, crunchy contrast.

4. Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans offer a fresh and simple side.

5. Coleslaw

The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw gives the dish a refreshing twist.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.

Freezing:

This casserole freezes well! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. For already baked leftovers, portion into containers and freeze. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.

What’s the best cheese blend for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the beef mixture while sautéing.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and if reheating, add a splash of broth or water before warming it up to restore moisture.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, adaptable, and made with simple, reliable ingredients. Whether you need a family dinner, a potluck hero, or a freezer-friendly meal, this casserole has you covered. From the gooey cheese to the hearty meat sauce and perfectly tender pasta, it’s a one-dish wonder that always satisfies.

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