Macaroni and Beef Casserole

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Macaroni and Beef Casserole, a classic crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, this dish offers layers of flavor in every bite. Topped with a generous blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it's baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly finish. Ready in just over an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color, and serve up this satisfying, kid-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Transfer half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.

Step 8

Add the remaining macaroni mixture as a second layer and top with the remaining cheeses.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1965.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3122.7

Total Fat 148.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 603.5mg	0%
Sodium 4975.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 43.3g
Protein 216.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2630.7mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 2205.3mg	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: 43.0%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 29.2%