Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Tender elbow macaroni is combined with savory seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, then simmered in a rich blend of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this baked casserole comes together in just 45 minutes and serves six hearty portions. Featuring simple pantry staples like Italian seasoning and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish, this crowd-pleaser is as easy to make as it is satisfying. Perfect as a main dish or even a potluck favorite, this Ground Beef Macaroni Casserole is sure to become a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and tomato mixture. Mix well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
547 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1025 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 29.0 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 325 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 691 mg | 15% | |
*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.
