Macaroni Beef Casserole

Delight your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food—Macaroni Beef Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Layered with gooey, melted cheddar cheese, this baked casserole becomes irresistibly bubbly and golden in the oven. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Packed with protein, a touch of nostalgia, and cheesy goodness, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the macaroni is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the macaroni with the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer half of the macaroni and beef mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the layer.

Step 9

Add the remaining macaroni and beef mixture on top, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1644.4 grams (1644.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2990

Total Fat 174.70g	224%
Saturated Fat 82.90g	415%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 561mg	187%
Sodium 4861mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 196.10g	71%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 26.40g
Protein 159.70g	319%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 1896mg	146%
Iron 21mg	116%
Potassium 2294mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.5%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 26.2%