👉BeefMacaroniCasserole – Recipes on a Budget

Beef and Macaroni Casserole

This hearty Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With a savory combination of ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or prepping for leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
2 cups macaroni, cooked
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting casserole!

Reheating and Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: For reheating, microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to use any small pasta like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes! Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the beef mixture for some heat.
Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend can all work well in this casserole.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the tomato products and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes! Dice up fresh tomatoes and add them to the dish, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the casserole? Yes, cook the macaroni according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
How do I keep the cheese from becoming too hard when baking? Cover the casserole with foil for the first 10-15 minutes of baking to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
Can I add cream or milk for a creamier texture? Yes, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or milk when combining the beef and macaroni to create a creamy texture.
Can I freeze the casserole after baking? Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Is this casserole spicy? The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili powder or hot sauce for heat.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use canned chili instead of diced tomatoes? Yes, using canned chili can add extra flavor and make the casserole more hearty.
Can I skip the cheese? Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, or substitute with dairy-free cheese.
Can I add bacon to the casserole? Yes, crumbled bacon can add extra flavor and crunch. Add it along with the beef mixture.
What side dishes go well with this casserole? Serve this casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
How do I make the casserole more filling? To make it even heartier, add beans like kidney beans or black beans, or top it with a layer of mashed potatoes.

20 Best Tips for Making Beef and Macaroni Casserole:

Brown the beef well: Browning the beef properly will add depth of flavor to the casserole.
Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
Season the beef mixture: Don’t forget to season the beef with salt, pepper, and other spices (like Italian seasoning or garlic powder) for extra flavor.
Pre-cook your macaroni: Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.
Use a good-quality tomato sauce: A flavorful tomato sauce will make a big difference in the final taste.
Add a little sugar: A small pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Let the casserole sit before serving: Allowing it to rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to serve.
Cover the casserole with foil for even melting: Covering the casserole with foil for part of the baking time helps the cheese melt evenly without burning.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat: If you like it spicy, red pepper flakes add just the right amount of kick.
Try a different cheese blend: Mixing cheeses like Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Gouda can add complexity.
Layer the casserole: Layering the beef, pasta, and cheese helps ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Use a glass casserole dish: A glass dish allows you to see when the casserole is bubbling and golden brown on top.
Top with breadcrumbs: Add some crunch by sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
Freeze leftovers for later: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future easy meal.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce: A few drops of Worcestershire sauce can give the casserole a savory boost.
Consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms: These veggies blend well with the beef and add flavor and texture.
Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Try a meatless version: Substitute the beef with lentils or beans for a vegetarian version.
Experiment with different pastas: If you don’t have macaroni, penne, rotini, or fusilli work great too.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can add a nice touch of color and flavor before serving.