Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Bake

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Bake

Introduction:

This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Bake is the epitome of comfort food. It combines hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a satisfying and delicious meal. This baked dish is sure to become a favorite for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture. Toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • Transfer half of the macaroni and beef mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese.
   • Add the remaining macaroni and beef mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Baking:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serving:
   • Let the bake sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Conclusion: The Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Bake is a delightful dish that brings together the classic flavors of meaty, cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tweaked with different cheeses or added vegetables. Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty meal for gatherings, this bake is sure to warm hearts and fill stomachs with its comforting embrace.

Enjoy creating this warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion! Would you like any suggestions on variations or tips on making this dish ahead of time?