Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni mixed with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and a blend of melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that delivers savory flavors and rich textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Fold the cooked macaroni and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar along with ½ cup of mozzarella into the beef sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
