Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It combines tender macaroni pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, and layers of gooey, golden melted cheese. This baked dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep because it’s filling, easy to make, and tastes even better the next day. The combination of textures—the creamy pasta, juicy beef, and crisp cheese topping—makes every bite satisfying and irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Layer:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

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• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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• 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce

For the Cheese Layer:

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.

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2. Prepare the Beef Mixture
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly.
   Spoon all of the beef mixture over the pasta layer.
   Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
   Add the remaining macaroni on top, then cover with the rest of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and bread crumbs (if using).

4. Bake
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.

5. Serve
   Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is a warm, filling, and family-friendly dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting. With its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s also versatile—you can swap in ground turkey, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or try different cheeses to suit your taste. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals.