Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole: A Comforting and Delicious Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole. This dish is packed with rich flavors, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, making it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this casserole comes together quickly.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, beefy goodness.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even substitute ground turkey for a healthier twist.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you begin assembling the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook it al dente, following the package instructions. (Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when baked.)
- Drain well and set aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown.
- Halfway through cooking, add the diced onion and bell pepper.
- Continue cooking until the onion and bell pepper soften, and the beef is completely browned.
- Drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
4. Add Garlic and Seasoning
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Combine with Tomatoes and Macaroni
- Stir in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Add the cooked macaroni and mix well to coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce.
- Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Spoon the beef and macaroni mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, cheesy comfort meal with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese gives the best gooey texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven, keeping it al dente helps maintain a firm texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Make it Healthier: Use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. You can also add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- This casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
3. Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mozzarella, Parmesan, Gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
6. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. With a rich, savory beef mixture and a cheesy topping, it’s a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it out today and enjoy a warm, delicious homemade dinner!