Imagine a dish that combines the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni noodles - a comfort food that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Baked Macaroni Noodle Casserole is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate that will have your family rushing to the dinner table and begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Macaroni noodles
- Ground beef
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the browned beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and beef-tomato sauce mixture. Gently mix to ensure even distribution.
- Shred the cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- For extra richness, consider mixing in a splash of heavy cream or using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
