Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of ground beef, the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked macaroni, and a melty cheese blanket that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Oven Baked Macaroni and Beef Casserole isn't just another dinner - it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In the skillet with beef, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked macaroni, then top with half the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining macaroni, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly after cooking beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking if you want extra golden cheese.
- This dish freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for an easy future meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
