Macaroni Casserole
Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Macaroni Casserole recipe! Packed with tender macaroni pasta, savory ground beef, and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, this dish is pure cozy perfection. A creamy, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan takes this casserole to the next level, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this family-friendly dinner is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it straight out of the oven for a dish that's guaranteed to please crowds. Perfect for potlucks, leftovers, or a casserole rotation at home, this dish truly hits all the right notes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, approx. 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with the remaining salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, ground beef mixture, and cheese sauce until evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.1 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 126 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 1099 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 42.6 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 615 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 679 mg | 14% | |
*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.
