5-Ingredient Dump-and-Bake Beefaroni
User Reviews
5
5-Ingredient Dump-and-Bake Beefaroni
Description
The 5-Ingredient Dump-and-Bake Beefaroni is designed for ease by layering all raw ingredients into a greased baking dish before baking. Uncooked elbow macaroni softens in the tomato-based marinara sauce and water during baking, while the ground beef cooks through and releases its flavor directly in the dish. Shredded cheddar cheese melts over the mixture, adding creaminess and depth. Frozen diced onions add subtle sweetness and texture without additional chopping.
This casserole offers comforting flavors and a simple method, using a single dish and minimal hands-on time. Stirring halfway through helps evenly distribute heat and prevents sticking. The ground beef is recommended extra lean to avoid excessive grease in the final dish. Served hot, it can be accompanied by fresh herbs like parsley or extra cheese to enhance presentation and taste.
The recipe yields about 3-4 servings and works well for small households or weeknight dinners. It can be doubled and baked in a larger dish for more portions. The instructions discourage pre-boiling pasta or browning beef to keep preparation straightforward and cleanup easier.
Ingredients
- ½ cup onion I used frozen pre-diced onion as a shortcut, diced
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta dry; about 5.5 ounces; not cooked
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 marinara sauce 24 ounce jar; store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup water
- ½ lb. ground beef at least 93% lean, extra lean
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spray a 2-quart (about 8-inch square) baking dish with cooking spray. Place onion, uncooked pasta, grated cheese, marinara sauce, and water in the dish and stir to combine. Add the uncooked ground beef to the dish, breaking it up into small pieces with your fingers. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Stir, cover, and return to oven for 15-20 more minutes, or until pasta is tender and beef is cooked through.
Notes
- Do not pre-cook pasta or brown ground beef; all ingredients are baked raw.
- Spray the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Stir the dish halfway through baking for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Use extra lean ground beef (at least 93% lean) to reduce grease, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken breast.
- This recipe serves about 3-4 people; double ingredients and use a 9x13-inch dish for larger groups.
- Optional toppings include fresh parsley, basil, or extra grated cheeses for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 328 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of the casserole | |
| Calories | 328kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 1021mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 889mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 880IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 13.4mg | 15% |
| Calcium | 142mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3.7mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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