Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, bubbly casserole straight from the oven — especially one packed with cheesy goodness, tender macaroni, and seasoned ground beef. This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a weeknight hero, bringing back nostalgic flavors with a simple, satisfying combination. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills the kitchen with a savory aroma that calls everyone to the table.

Perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes: rich, hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. It’s also endlessly adaptable, letting you tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a budget-friendly dinner idea, this dish hits the spot.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — it’s hard to go wrong with beef, cheese, and pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly without needing anything fancy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and freezing for busy nights.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or go spicy — it’s easy to make it your own.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole seamlessly, it’s helpful to have the right tools on hand:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the beef and combining it with sauce — you want enough space for even cooking.
• Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni. Use a deep pot to give pasta enough room to cook evenly without sticking.
• Mixing Bowl (Optional): If combining ingredients off-heat before baking, a big mixing bowl comes in handy.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size to bake the casserole evenly and hold all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging your cookware.
• Aluminum Foil: Helpful for covering the casserole if it browns too quickly in the oven.

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Preparation Tips

For the best results, cook the pasta just until al dente — it will continue softening as it bakes, so overcooking it on the stove can make it mushy later. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon for even texture. Season as you go to layer flavors into every bite. Once you mix the sauce, beef, and pasta, don’t skip the cheese — blend some into the mixture and save the rest for that golden, melty top. Preheating the oven before assembling ensures even cooking and saves time. Lastly, let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to set slightly and make serving cleaner and easier.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or pasta sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.

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Step 3: Combine Sauce with Meat

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in the oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

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Step 4: Mix Pasta and Cheese

In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the skillet if large enough), combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the sour cream. Mix until everything is well coated and combined.

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Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using) evenly over the top.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

Using freshly shredded cheese will give your casserole a much creamier, smoother melt compared to pre-shredded cheese, which is often coated with anti-caking agents. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in spicy Italian sausage for the ground beef. You can also sneak in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition without compromising flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends — Monterey Jack, Colby, or even gouda can work beautifully in this dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta continues to bake in the oven, it’s essential to cook it al dente during the boiling phase.
• Skipping the Sauce Simmering Step: Letting the meat sauce simmer helps deepen the flavor — rushing this can leave it tasting flat.
• Under-seasoning: Always taste the meat sauce before mixing it with pasta. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful casserole.
• Using a Small Baking Dish: Overcrowding the casserole can cause uneven cooking and a lackluster top. Stick with a 9×13-inch dish.
• Baking Uncovered Too Long: Cheese can burn or harden if left uncovered for the entire baking time. Keep it covered initially, then uncover to brown.

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Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in foil and place them in freezer-safe bags — freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but other short pasta like rotini or penne work just as well.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and then bake when ready.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version without sacrificing too much flavor.

What cheeses melt best in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are a great combo, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or provolone are excellent alternatives.

How can I add vegetables without changing the texture too much?

Sauté finely chopped veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, or mushrooms with the beef — they’ll blend in easily.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Why is my casserole watery?

Make sure the pasta is well-drained and that you didn’t use too much sauce. Also, letting it rest after baking helps it set.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — rich, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, a freezer staple, or a kid-approved dinner option, this dish checks every box. With its gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly tender pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Don’t forget to personalize it with your favorite add-ins or cheese blends to make it truly your own. Happy cooking!

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