Description
This Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a delicious blend of cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large casserole dish (approximately 9×13 inches), spread half of the beef and macaroni mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer.
- Layer the remaining beef and macaroni mixture on top of the cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve hot, and consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, which will add richness to the dish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes