Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings comfort with every bite, this Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is exactly what you need. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and loads of melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop raving about how creamy, cheesy, and flavorful it was. The blend of beefy goodness, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and absolutely delicious.

What makes this casserole special is its balance of flavors and textures—the soft, al dente macaroni pairs perfectly with the rich meat sauce, and the bubbly, golden cheese on top seals the deal. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or potluck dish, this Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole will always be a hit!

So, let’s get cooking and bring this hearty baked pasta to life!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Cheesy & Comforting: A perfect combination of pasta, beef, and melty cheese.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and carbs for a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, easy steps, and minimal prep time.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or make it spicy!

What You Need for Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

How to Make Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain & Set Aside: Drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Beef Sauce

1. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
3. Add the Garlic & Tomato Base: Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
4. Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Pasta & Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the beef sauce and mix well.
3. Layer the Cheese: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

1. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
3. Enjoy Every Cheesy, Savory Bite!

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells will work well.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze before baking or after for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.

8. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan gives the best melty and tangy flavor.

9. Can I make this without beef?

Yes! Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.

10. How do I make this extra creamy?

Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or ricotta cheese into the sauce before baking.

11. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs if adding a topping.

12. What can I serve with this casserole?

Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

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