Description
Cheesy Baked Mac and Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
12 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes, then set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Mix in mustard powder and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture. Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof casserole. First, preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish. While the pasta cooks, start browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the onion, garlic, and seasonings to build flavor directly in the meat mixture. In a separate saucepan, make your cheese sauce by creating a roux with the butter and flour, then slowly whisking in the milk and cream to avoid lumps. Cook until it coats the back of a spoon before adding the mustard powder and cheeses. The key step is thoroughly combining the drained pasta, cheese sauce, and beef mixture in a large bowl before transferring it to your dish for baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
To summarize: cook pasta, brown beef with aromatics, make a creamy cheese sauce, combine all components, top with cheese, and bake until golden. The process involves three main components combined before baking for maximum flavor integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole 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 with good sauce-holding ability works, like cavatappi, shells, or penne.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute the heavy cream with an additional cup of whole milk. You can also use a leaner ground beef or ground turkey.
My sauce seems too thick. What should I do? Simply thin it with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water until it reaches a pourable, creamy consistency.
Can I freeze the baked casserole? It’s possible, though the dairy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
- Adding Cheese to a Boiling Sauce: Always remove the sauce from heat before stirring in the shredded cheese to prevent a grainy texture.
- Not Seasoning the Beef Layer: Seasoning the meat as it cooks is crucial for building depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to set for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Mac and Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly combining familiar flavors into a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a creamy, flavorful, and golden-brown result every time. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. Enjoy the delicious, hearty satisfaction of this classic dish.