Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole – The Ultimate Family Comfort Food
Introduction
Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and bubbly melted cheese in every satisfying bite. It is simple enough for beginners while delivering homemade flavor everyone appreciates. Best of all, this recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together with very little effort, making dinner both delicious and stress-free.
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole
- Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole is made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find year-round.
- The rich beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta create a balanced, satisfying meal.
- It can be prepared ahead, making dinner easier during busy weekdays.
- Leftovers taste even better, making lunch the next day incredibly convenient.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to package directions, then drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft before stirring in garlic. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, draining excess grease if necessary.
- Season the beef with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer gently for five minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the meat sauce until evenly coated. Fold in one cup of cheddar cheese, creating a creamy mixture throughout the casserole.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella evenly over the top for a golden finish.
- Bake Cheesy Baked Beef & Macaroni Casserole for about 25 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned. Let it rest for ten minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.
