Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies or spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz canned tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in canned tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the beef sauce and fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute ground beef with turkey and mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella for extra creaminess.