Description
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Mix in cooked macaroni.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this detailed process. First, ensure your macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will soften further in the oven. While it cooks, begin browning the beef. The key to flavor is cooking the onions until translucent and the garlic until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes total. When browning the beef, break it into small, uniform crumbles for consistent texture. After draining the grease, the simmering step with tomatoes and broth is crucial for melding flavors. When adding the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling. Combine the sauce and pasta thoroughly before transferring to the dish. For the cheesiest top, use a mix of pre-shredded and freshly grated cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp side to balance its richness. Consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or garlic bread. For a fresh contrast, a side of pickled vegetables or a tangy coleslaw works perfectly. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish for potlucks or busy weeknights.
How-to Summary
To make Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole: Cook macaroni. Brown onions, garlic, and seasoned beef. Simmer with tomatoes and broth. Stir in cream and cooked pasta. Transfer to a dish, top with cheeses, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Any short pasta like shells, cavatappi, or penne will work well. Adjust cooking time to the pasta’s package directions for al dente.
How can I make this recipe leaner? Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use low-fat cheese, and replace the heavy cream with whole milk or a milk-and-flour roux. The texture will be slightly less rich.
Why is my casserole dry? This usually happens if the pasta overcooks and absorbs too much liquid, or if the simmering step is skipped. Ensure you use the full cup of broth and don’t over-bake.
Can I freeze the baked casserole? Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in a 350°F oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only until al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce during baking.
- Skipping the Grease Drain: Failing to drain excess fat from the beef will result in a greasy final dish.
- Adding Cheese to the Hot Sauce: Only sprinkle cheese on top. Adding it to the skillet mixture can cause it to become oily and clumpy.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Let heavy cream and broth sit out briefly before adding to prevent the sauce from breaking or cooling the skillet too much.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar flavors into a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Its simplicity, versatility for make-ahead meals, and crowd-pleasing cheesy goodness make it a reliable recipe for any occasion. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly creamy, hearty casserole every time. Dig in and enjoy the delicious results of your easy, one-dish wonder.