Indulge in the comforting, classic flavors of a Dried Beef Macaroni Bake, a creamy and cheesy casserole that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. This easy-to-make dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce enriched by sharp cheddar and Parmesan, perfectly balanced with the savory touch of chopped dried beef and a hint of garlic and onions. Topped with a golden-baked finish and a touch of paprika for a smoky kick, this hearty baked pasta is an irresistible combination of creamy texture and rich flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and serves six. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color, and enjoy this warm, bubbling comfort food straight from the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni, chopped dried beef, and half of the parsley (if using) to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley (if using) before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
3072 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.5 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.2 g | 481% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 606 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 9080 mg | 395% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 232.2 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.7 g | ||
| Protein | 175.7 g | 351% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.3 mcg | 41% | |
| Calcium | 3085 mg | 237% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 2032 mg | 43% | |
*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.