This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole recipe is what dreams are made of! It’s perfect for when you want something warm and comforting that’s also easy to make. This dish serves 8, which means leftovers for days! Who doesn’t love that? The recipe includes macaroni noodles, lean ground beef, garlic, onion, green pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, fresh basil, cheddar shredded cheese, parmesan cheese, and parsley – all the deliciousness in one dish! And let’s not forget the best part – that melted cheese on top! Oh, it’s so satisfying! You’ll definitely want to make this recipe again and again!
Husband-Approved: The Best Cheesy Casserole Recipe…
Guys, let me tell you, my husband is not the easiest person to please when it comes to food. But when I made this Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole, he was blown away! I saw pure happiness on his face as he took the first bite and went back for seconds. It was a moment of pure joy for me, seeing my hubby enjoy my cooking. This recipe is definitely a winner and I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you lovely people. So, what are you waiting for? Make this casserole for your family and see them light up with happiness!
Why You Need to Try This Cheesy Ground Beef & Macaroni Casserole Recipe!
Let me tell you why this Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole recipe. Firstly, it’s a total no-brainer to make! With just 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Plus, it’s the ultimate comfort food! It’s warm, hearty, and cheesy – perfect for a cozy night in. And let’s not forget how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the veggies, noodles, and spices to make it your own. It’s family-friendly too! It serves 8, which means there’s enough for leftovers or to feed a hungry crowd. But most importantly, it’s just downright delicious! That combination of flavors is out of this world! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one!
What do you need to make this Beef & Macaroni Casserole Recipe?
Macaroni noodles: Any similar-shaped pasta will work for this recipe, such as penne or ziti.
Lean ground beef: Using lean ground beef is recommended to avoid having a greasy casserole.
Crushed tomatoes: You can use canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or make your own by blending fresh tomatoes.
Tomato sauce and paste: These ingredients add extra flavor and help thicken the sauce.
Green pepper: If you don’t have green pepper, you can substitute it with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
Cheddar cheese: You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Parmesan cheese: Using freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor to the casserole.
Fresh parsley: You can substitute with other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano if desired.
Garlic and onion: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Next up, cook your noodles according to the package instructions but only for ¾ of the time. For example, if your noodles usually take 12 minutes to cook, boil them for just 9 minutes. This way, they won’t get too mushy in the oven. Drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While your noodles are cooking, it’s time to get the beef cooking too! Brown the beef, garlic, and onion together in a frying pan until the beef is fully cooked. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease.
Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients! Mix the cooked noodles, beef mixture, diced green peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste, basil, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley together in a large bowl. Pour everything into a 9×13 casserole dish.
The final step before the oven is to combine the remaining cheeses and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Pop that bad boy in the oven, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Now, get ready to enjoy the most delicious and comforting casserole you’ve ever had! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one!
Substitutions and Variations: Ways to Customize Your Ground Beef & Macaroni Casserole…
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients for this Cheesy ground Beef & Macaroni Casserole! There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to switch up the flavors and make it your own.
For starters, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even veggie crumbles for a vegetarian twist. You could also try using sausage for a different flavor profile altogether.
If you’re not a fan of green peppers, feel free to swap them out for a different veggie like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. Want to add some extra veggies to the mix? Try adding some diced carrots, celery, or even broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition.
When it comes to cheese, you can use any type you like! Try using a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. And if you’re feeling extra cheesy, go ahead and add more than the recipe calls for – there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
Finally, you can also switch up the type of pasta you use. Instead of macaroni, try using penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti for a fun twist. No matter what substitutions or variations you make, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What goes Best With This Cheesy Casserole?
This deliciously cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a complete meal that will have everyone begging for seconds.
One of my favorite sides to serve with this casserole is a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp greens and bright flavors of the dressing help to cut through the richness of the casserole and balance out the meal.
Another great option is to serve some crusty garlic bread on the side. The warm, toasty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce from the casserole and adding a nice crunch to each bite.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, try serving the casserole alongside some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini. The caramelized edges of the veggies bring a depth of flavor to the dish, and their nutritional value helps to round out the meal.
No matter which side you choose, Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and happy.
Finally How To Serve This Cheesy Macaroni and ground beef Casserole?
Now, the most exciting part – serving time! After patiently waiting for the casserole to be baked to perfection, it’s time to indulge in the deliciousness.
You can serve this Cheesy Macaroni Casserole as the main dish, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Or, you can even serve it as a side dish for your next gathering or potluck.
To make it extra special, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the casserole, or even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. For an added layer of flavor, consider drizzling a bit of glaze on top before serving. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this meatloaf glaze recipe, which pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
Trust me, this casserole is so satisfying that you’ll want to have seconds (or even thirds!). So grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy this mouth-watering Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole!
More Casserole Recipes to Try!
- The Best Potato And Chicken Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Make
- Chicken And Dumplings Casserole
- Chicken With Pasta Casserole
Check out the printable recipe below and let me know what you think about This cooked macaroni and ground beef casserole (comments below).
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Beef and Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb 454 g dry macaroni noodles or similar
- 1 lb 454 g lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup 150 g diced onion
- 1 cup 120 g diced green pepper
- 1 can 28 oz or 794 g crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup 120 ml tomato sauce
- 3-4 tablespoons 45-60 g tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon 2.5 g dry basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups 340 g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup 28 g freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons 9 g chopped fresh parsley, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and toasty for your casserole.
- Cook your macaroni noodles according to package instructions, but stop ¾ of the way through cooking. For example, if your noodles typically take 12 minutes to cook, you’ll cook them for 9 minutes instead. Then, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water.
- In a frying pan, brown your lean ground beef with garlic and onion. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Combine the browned beef, green peppers, noodles, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce & paste, basil, salt & pepper, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley in a mixing bowl. Once everything is mixed together, pour the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle this cheese mixture on top of the casserole in the casserole dish.
- Bake your casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is nicely browned. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions :
Got questions about this Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this great recipe below:
Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.
Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply assemble it as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Of course! This recipe calls for macaroni, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
While cheese is a major component of this casserole, you can certainly omit it if you need to. Just be aware that the casserole will be a bit less cheesy and may need some additional seasoning to make up for it.
Absolutely! This casserole is very customizable and you can add any other ingredients you like. Just be sure to adjust the quantities and cook times accordingly.
