Save A comforting, budget&friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
I first made this recipe on a weekend when everyone was craving something filling but we had little time. The simple steps made it a breeze, and it quickly became one of our go&to classics.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- Meat: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed oregano and basil), 1/2 tsp paprika, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13" (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Veggies:
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to beef. Sauté 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine and Assemble:
- Add cooked macaroni to skillet. Mix to coat with sauce.
- Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Everyone crowds around the table, eager for a scoop. It's a dish that always brings smiles and fueled plenty of lively conversations after a busy school day.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is fantastic served with a crisp green salad and slices of crusty bread for a balanced meal.
Customizations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add frozen peas or corn for extra color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers approximately 430 calories, 18 g fat, 42 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save This recipe brings together classic flavors in a fuss&free casserole everyone will love. Enjoy the leftovers—if there are any!
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta type works best in this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds sauce well and bakes evenly with the other ingredients.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives that work well without altering flavor significantly.
- → How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell pepper before mixing enhances depth, and adding Italian herbs and paprika adds warmth and complexity.
- → Is it necessary to drain the fat after cooking the meat?
Draining excess fat helps reduce greasiness, ensuring the sauce stays rich but not oily.
- → What are good side dishes to serve alongside?
A crisp green salad and crusty bread complement the casserole well, balancing richness and textures.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving for best freshness.