Description
This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for quick dinners and make-ahead meals. Packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow pasta, and a rich tomato-cheese sauce, it’s an easy recipe that’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, a filling weeknight meal, or hearty food ideas that satisfy big appetites, this dish delivers. Ideal for batch cooking, this easy recipe also works beautifully as a crowd-pleasing potluck casserole. Think quick dinners, easy casseroles, and timeless comfort food — all in one.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. 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.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken and deepen flavor.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated with sauce.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Slightly undercook your pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
For best results, shred your own cheese for maximum meltability.
To freeze, assemble the dish without baking and wrap tightly in foil for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cheesy pasta, casserole, family meal, beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food