Easy Macaroni Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Easy Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution your whole family will love. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe is elevated with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and optional savory ground beef for added depth and heartiness. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this baked casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether you're looking for a comforting side dish or a versatile main course, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Serve it hot and enjoy the gooey, golden perfection of this classic comfort food favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (optional)
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 as needed cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. If using ground beef, stir it in at this stage.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese (if using) and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Easy Macaroni Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3419 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.2 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.6 g | 418% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 569 mg | 190% | |
| Sodium | 5348 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 317.0 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 190.0 g | 380% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2436 mg | 187% | |
| Iron | 20.7 mg | 115% | |
| Potassium | 1387 mg | 30% | |
*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.
