Description
A hearty and delicious casserole featuring cheesy beef and macaroni.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly to combine. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different cheese flavor.
- You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving