Description
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
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Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly, until thickened.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cooked pasta with the beef mixture and cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Perfect for a family dinner or potluck!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Aromatics & Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a touch of oil, then sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
3. Simmer the Sauce: To the beef, add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine & Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the top evenly with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has golden spots.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a comforting restaurant-style experience, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or breadsticks. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also makes a excellent, colorful addition to the plate.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta until al dente. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, then simmer with tomatoes and seasonings. Make a cheese sauce by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk and cheddar. Combine pasta, beef, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and remaining cheddar. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground meat alternative all work well. Adjust seasonings to taste.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the macaroni bake? It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
My cheese sauce is grainy. What happened? Graininess often occurs if the heat is too high when adding the cheese. Always remove the white sauce from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheese, and ensure your cheese is freshly shredded (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to full softness before baking will result in a mushy final dish. Always cook to just al dente.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: Failing to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef can make the final bake greasy.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Adding shredded cheese to a bubbling hot sauce can cause it to break and become oily or grainy. Remove the sauce from heat first.
- Underseasoning: Be sure to adequately season the beef mixture and the cheese sauce with salt and pepper. Taste as you go.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake is the epitome of comfort food, combining familiar flavors into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing casserole. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish every time. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, guaranteeing a delicious and comforting result that the whole family will love.