Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef and Tomatoes
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and comforting Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef and Tomatoes. This crowd-pleasing casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, rich and creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce, and a savory medley of seasoned ground beef, garlic-infused onions, and tangy diced tomatoes for a flavor-packed meal. A golden, bubbling finish in the oven makes this dish irresistible and perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder offers a balance of cheese-covered comfort and zesty tomato goodness, with optional fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Serve it warm and watch it disappear from plates in no time! Keywords: macaroni and cheese with ground beef, cheesy casserole, family dinner ideas, baked pasta recipe, beef and tomato pasta bake.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the cooked beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken (about 3-5 minutes).
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and ground beef mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3880 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 235.3 g | 302% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.9 g | 604% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 758 mg | 253% | |
| Sodium | 5435 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 238.9 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.4 g | ||
| Protein | 218.8 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3361 mg | 259% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 3279 mg | 70% | |
*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.
