Hearty Macaroni and Beef Casserole
Need a hug in a dish This macaroni and beef casserole is pure comfort Easy cheesy and a family favourite Try my secret for extra flavour Get the recipe ... Quick & Easy Meals
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Remember those weeknight dinners that just hit the spot ? This macaroni and beef casserole is pure comfort. Honestly, are you ready for the ultimate comfort food casserole ?
Brief Overview
This macaroni and beef casserole is a classic American dish. It's easy, taking about an hour from start to finish. This ground beef casserole recipe makes six generous servings.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein and hearty carbs. It's perfect for feeding a crowd or a busy weeknight. What makes this easy family casserole dinners special is its cheesy, meaty goodness.
Looking for the Best Comfort Casseroles?
This recipe is the epitome of quick and easy. There's nothing better than an Easy Quick Meals With Ground Beef!
Are you trying to find Meat Dishes To Feed A Crowd?
You know, my gran used to make this all the time. It was the beef and macaroni bake . It always felt like a hug in a dish. So, let's get started.
Here's what you'll need for this Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole :
Alright, let's get cracking! A macaroni and beef casserole , eh? It's proper comfort food. Like a hug from your nan. I'll whip up a recipe outline, and it's easy!
Hearty Macaroni and Beef Casserole Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Comfort Food Casserole
Honestly, getting the right bits and bobs is half the battle. For this ground beef casserole recipe , you don't need fancy kit! Just good ingredients and a bit of love.
I remember when I first made this for a crowd. Oh my gosh, it was a hit!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (454g) . Look for a good color, not too much fat.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Season to your taste, though!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can .
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon . Gives it a nice kick!
- Elbow Macaroni: 8 ounces (227g) . Don't overcook these!
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (227g) , shredded, divided. Get a good cheddar!
These are all your essential ingredients needed for an easy family casserole dinner. This beef and macaroni bake will definitely be a win!.
Seasoning Secrets and Flavor Boosters
A good mac and hamburger casserole needs a decent flavour profile. We're using dried oregano and basil here. They're a match made in heaven.
Add a dash of garlic for the umami. A touch of Worcestershire sauce does wonders! I love this, because all meat dishes to feed a crowd can be really enhanced when it comes to their flavours.
If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works in a pinch. Honestly, don't sweat it too much. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple!
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef.
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish : The cornerstone of great casseroles dinners .
- Large Pot: For cooking the macaroni.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
Don't have a baking dish? A deep oven-safe pan works just as well. Honestly, as long as it can go in the oven, you're golden! This cheesy beef pasta casserole is gonna be amazing! This is one of the best comfort casseroles ever, you know? And one of the easy quick meals with ground beef !
Right, there you have it! Now, let's get to the cooking part!
Getting Down with Cooking: Macaroni and Beef Casserole!
Honestly, nothing screams "comfort food" like a macaroni and beef casserole . This ain't no fancy-pants dish, this is proper grub.
A hug in a bowl , innit? It's one of the best comfort casseroles !
I remember my mum making this after school. It was pure bliss. This ground beef casserole recipe takes me right back.
Ready to get started on an easy family casserole dinners ? Let's do it.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place, Sorted
First things first, gather your troops. It's all about the essential mise en place . Chop your onion – no one likes a soggy onion chunk.
Mince your garlic too. Trust me, getting everything prepped saves you a headache later.
Time-saving tip: Get the macaroni on while you chop. Two birds, one stone!
Step-by-Step: From Pan to Plate
- Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C). Get that oven hot!
- Cook 8 ounces (227g) macaroni until al dente . Not mushy!
- Brown 1 pound (454g) ground beef . Drain that fat! Nobody wants a greasy beef and macaroni bake .
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves with the beef. About 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon oregano , 1/2 teaspoon basil , 1/4 teaspoon pepper , 1/4 teaspoon salt , 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce , 1 cup (240ml) beef broth , and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce . Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the beefy sauce. Add 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese .
- Pour into a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar . Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
Don't overcook the macaroni! Seriously, nobody likes a mushy mess.
My secret weapon? A dash of hot sauce. Adds a sneaky kick to this cheesy beef pasta casserole .
Make-ahead option: Assemble the whole thing, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you're ready. Proper easy!
Now, tuck in and enjoy your mac and hamburger casserole ! It's a total winner. A great choice among great casserole dinners .
Plus, it's a meat dishes to feed a crowd !
Recipe Notes for Your Best Macaroni and Beef Casserole
Right then, let’s talk shop about this champion macaroni and beef casserole . Honestly, there are loads of great casseroles dinners , but this one's special.
It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Here are some bits and bobs to keep in mind to make your Mac and Hamburger Casserole truly smashing!
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Part
Plating? Easy peasy! A generous scoop of this cheesy beef pasta casserole in a bowl is a winner. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens it up.
Feeling fancy? Serve it in individual ramekins. For sides, a crisp green salad balances the richness. Crusty bread for mopping up that yummy sauce is a must! I love a good glass of red with my easy family casserole dinners .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh as a Daisy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef and macaroni bake keeps well. Pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
For freezing, portion it out in freezer-safe containers. It lasts for up to 2 months. Reheating? The microwave works, but the oven's best.
Cover it with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Easy quick meals with ground beef are such lifesavers, you know?
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It
Want to mix it up? You could swap the cheddar for mozzarella for a milder flavour. For a healthier version, use lean ground beef.
Add some chopped veggies like peppers or mushrooms. A veggie version using plant-based mince is also a winner. Seasonal ingredient swaps? Try adding some roasted butternut squash in autumn.
It adds a lovely sweetness! These are the best comfort casseroles .
Nutrition Basics: What You're Getting
This ground beef casserole recipe is packed with protein from the beef and cheesy goodness. It's a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
It does have a fair bit of fat, so keep portions in mind. Key health benefits? Protein helps build and repair tissues.
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants. Remember, it's all about balance! When you need meat dishes to feed a crowd , this ticks all the boxes.
There you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to making a top-notch comfort food casserole . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Cooking should be fun, like a good natter with your mates. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out, eh? You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make macaroni and beef casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with cling film, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This is brilliant if you’re planning a Sunday roast-style dinner and want to get ahead, leaving you time to watch the football!
My macaroni and beef casserole is a bit dry. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?
A dry casserole usually means there wasn't enough liquid in the sauce or it was overbaked. Make sure to use the full amount of beef broth called for in the recipe. To rescue a dry casserole, you can gently stir in a little extra beef broth or tomato sauce after baking, and perhaps top with more cheese, then pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to melt. Next time, cover the casserole dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to retain moisture.
Can I freeze macaroni and beef casserole?
Yes, you can freeze macaroni and beef casserole! Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Freezing is a great way to have comfort food on standby, perfect for those days when you fancy something quick and easy, you know?
What are some tasty variations I can try with my macaroni and beef casserole?
There are loads of ways to jazz up your macaroni and beef casserole! Try adding a layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top instead of cheese for a cottage pie twist. You could also mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when you sauté the onion and garlic for extra flavour and nutrients. For a bit of a kick, stir in some chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce - brilliant for those who like a bit of zing, innit?
Is there a healthier version of macaroni and beef casserole I can make?
Definitely! To lighten up your macaroni and beef casserole, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. You can also swap regular pasta for whole wheat macaroni to increase the fibre content. Try adding finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the sauce, and using a reduced-fat cheese. Trust me, you can have your cake (or casserole!) and eat it too!
How do I prevent my macaroni from getting mushy in the macaroni and beef casserole?
The key to preventing mushy macaroni is to cook it al dente before adding it to the sauce. Aim for about 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven during baking, so starting with al dente pasta ensures it stays perfectly firm. This way, you’ll avoid that dreaded soggy casserole, keeping it just right, not too soggy, not too dry - goldilocks would approve!
