Craving a mouthwatering meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of Italy with the classic appeal of a hearty casserole! This Italian Beef Macaroni Casserole is not just another dinner – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that will become an instant family favorite. With its perfect blend of savory ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this recipe is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef and onion. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until the macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, pour the macaroni and beef mixture. Spread it out evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the macaroni mixture completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers to set a bit.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your Italian Beef Macaroni Casserole!
Tips
- 🍽️ Pro Cooking Tips for the Perfect Italian Beef Macaroni Casserole:
- Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander to remove excess fat after browning.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions until they're golden brown before adding the beef. This will develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce – it makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente. Overcooking can lead to a mushy casserole.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to give the cheese a golden, slightly crisp finish.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- Feel free to customize! Add some red pepper flakes for heat or mix in some fresh basil for extra freshness.
- This dish freezes beautifully – make an extra batch and save it for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
