Are you craving a mouthwatering, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese? Look no further than this irresistible Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole! This classic American dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for more. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a home cook wanting to impress your loved ones, this recipe is your ticket to instant dinner hero status.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Macaroni pasta
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, dice the onion into small, uniform pieces. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the beef and onion mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the beef mixture, stirring to combine and create a rich, flavorful sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture, stirring gently to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and begins to bubble and turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh chopped parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 works best) to ensure the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Experiment with cheese varieties: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in some mozzarella or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before the final cheese layer.
- Make it ahead: This casserole freezes beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and reheat for an easy meal later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
