Imperial Macaroni Casserole

Indulge in the comforting decadence of Imperial Macaroni Casserole, a hearty baked dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce for the ultimate family-friendly dinner. This recipe stands out with its golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, adding a crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy layers beneath. Infused with aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of paprika, each bite is richly flavorful and satisfying. Ready in under an hour, this casserole is perfect for weeknight meals or potluck gatherings, and it's easy to customize with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re craving the perfect balance of creamy comfort and baked perfection, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.

Step 6

Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and combined.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture. Mix well to evenly coat the macaroni.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1928.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4966.5

Total Fat 266.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 136.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 803.6mg	0%
Sodium 7359.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 48.2g
Protein 250.0g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3273.3mg	0%
Iron 30.0mg	0%
Potassium 2433.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 32.7%