The Ultimate Comfort Food: The Easiest, Cheesiest Macaroni and Beef Casserole
Step into a world of comforting aromas and heartwarming flavors with our ultimate macaroni and beef casserole. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, bringing families together around the dinner table. Picture tender elbow macaroni, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This easy beef and pasta bake is the only recipe you’ll ever need for a truly satisfying family dinner. Emphasizing simplicity, this old fashioned macaroni and beef casserole delivers pure comfort, making it a staple among weeknight dinner ideas. This cheesy macaroni and beef casserole is unmatched.
Why This is the Best Macaroni and Beef Casserole Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: Savory beef, tangy tomato, and rich homemade cheese sauce ensure every bite of this macaroni and beef casserole bursts with taste.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: A guaranteed hit, this is the quintessential family-friendly casserole.
- Perfect for Weeknights: Simple steps and common ingredients make this easy beef and pasta bake a go-to for effortless weeknight dinner ideas.
- Great for Meal Prep: Ideal for making ahead, perfect for make-ahead casserole recipes and freezer-friendly casseroles.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this classic comfort food recipe defines the joy of a good ground beef casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this irresistible macaroni and beef casserole, gather these essentials:
For the Beef and Pasta Base:
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g). Other short pastas like penne or rotini work too for this delicious beef noodle casserole.
- Lean Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds (680g), 85/15 or 90/10. Minimizes grease for a perfect hamburger and macaroni casserole. Ground turkey is an alternative.
- Onion & Garlic: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained. Adds moisture and tang.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 oz) can. Enriches this macaroni casserole with tomato sauce.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (4 tbsp / 56g).
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g).
- Milk: 3 cups (720ml) whole milk for richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups (12 oz) freshly shredded sharp or medium cheddar. Shred your own from a block for the best melt and creamiest homemade cheese sauce for casserole. Monterey Jack or Colby are also great for this cheesy ground beef pasta.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Equip yourself for success with these simple tools for your macaroni and beef casserole:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Large Skillet
- 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish (or similar 3-quart)
- Whisk
- Box Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Macaroni and Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Master how to make macaroni casserole with these clear instructions for the best beef casserole recipe!
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook 1 lb of elbow macaroni in generously salted boiling water until *al dente*. This prevents mushiness during baking the macaroni and beef casserole. Drain well.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Break up the beef; drain any excess grease for a lighter ground beef casserole.
Step 3: Create the Savory Beef Mixture
To the skillet, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for a rich beef noodle casserole base for your macaroni and beef casserole.
Step 4: Make the Homemade Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a simmer until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar until smooth. Season for your creamy beef and noodle bake.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, savory beef mixture, and two-thirds of the cheese sauce. Pour this blend into the prepared dish to form your incredible macaroni and beef casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let your baked macaroni with ground beef rest 5-10 minutes before serving your perfect macaroni and beef casserole.
Pro Tips for Casserole Success
Ensure your macaroni and beef casserole is always perfect with these expert tricks:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook to *al dente* only! It will soften further in the oven, preventing a mushy final dish for your cheesy macaroni and beef.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest homemade cheese sauce for casserole, always grate cheese from a block. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that hinder a smooth melt.
- Let it Rest: A 5-10 minute rest after baking allows the casserole to set, ensuring neat slices. This is key for any baked macaroni with ground beef.
- Grease Your Dish: A quick spray or butter rub prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze for your simple hamburger casserole.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
Customize your macaroni and beef casserole with these creative ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen corn, peas, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor in your ground beef casserole.
- Spice it Up: Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or swapping some ground beef for spicy sausage can add a welcome kick to this easy beef and pasta bake.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of Colby for unique flavor. Cream cheese can also enhance creaminess for a richer cheesy macaroni and beef.
- Crunchy Topping: Before baking, sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a delightful textural contrast.
What to Serve with Macaroni and Beef Casserole
Complement your hearty macaroni and beef casserole with these simple sides:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm breadsticks.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Roasted asparagus.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This macaroni and beef casserole is fantastic for meal prep and make-ahead convenience, making it one of our favorite freezer-friendly casseroles.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the macaroni and beef casserole (unbaked) up to 2 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake from chilled, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time after letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
Cool baked macaroni with ground beef completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This simple hamburger casserole makes excellent leftovers!
How to Freeze Macaroni and Beef Casserole
Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil to prevent freezer burn. For best texture, freezing unbaked is often preferred for your cheesy ground beef pasta.
Reheating Instructions
- From Fridge: Microwave individual portions, or cover a whole macaroni and beef casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes. Add a splash of milk if needed to retain moisture.
- From Frozen: Thaw unbaked overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (adding time). Reheat baked, frozen casserole covered at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni recipes are traditional, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti works well, effectively holding the rich sauce in this family-friendly casserole. Cook it al dente for any beef noodle casserole.
How do you keep macaroni casserole from drying out?
A good amount of sauce, like our homemade cheese sauce for casserole, is key. Cooking pasta al dente also helps. When reheating your cheesy macaroni and beef, a splash of milk or broth can rehydrate it, ensuring your macaroni and beef casserole remains creamy.
What’s the difference between this and American goulash?
American goulash is typically a one-pot stovetop, tomato-forward dish. This Macaroni and Beef Casserole is a baked dish, distinguished by its prominent, creamy cheese sauce and layered preparation, offering a unique take on comfort food recipes.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but for the smoothest, creamiest sauce, we strongly recommend grating cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents, impacting the ideal texture of your baked macaroni with ground beef. This is vital for the best beef casserole recipe.
Is it better to freeze the casserole baked or unbaked?
For optimal texture, freezing the macaroni and beef casserole unbaked is generally preferred. This allows the pasta to cook to perfection during the initial bake. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Freezing baked leftovers is also convenient, making it one of the best make-ahead casserole recipes.
The Only Macaroni and Beef Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Need
There you have it – your ultimate guide to creating the perfect macaroni and beef casserole. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed hit, a comforting classic that makes for incredible weeknight dinner ideas. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly delicious, this creamy beef and noodle bake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Give this best beef casserole recipe a try tonight and taste the difference!
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