Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole
Description
Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole features elbow macaroni cooked slightly less than package time, then drained and cooled to stop cooking. Ground lean beef is browned and drained, then cooked with onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened. A tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, salt, and black pepper simmers briefly to meld flavors.
The drained pasta is combined with a portion of sharp cheddar cheese and the meat sauce, then transferred to a casserole dish and baked uncovered. Additional cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are added halfway through baking, allowing the top to brown and bubble for a rich, melted cheese crust.
This layered preparation provides a comforting texture with a balance of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese. Fresh parsley added before serving contributes mild herbal brightness, enhancing the overall dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or similar
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced, or ½ of a large onion
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded sharp
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons parsley divided, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook noodles for ¾ of time according to package. (My noodles said 9 minutes so I cooked them for 6). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet brown the beef until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 4 minutes or until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the green bell pepper and cook 3 minutes more.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce & paste, basil, ½ teaspoon salt & pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the drained pasta and 1 cup of cheddar cheese and trasnfer to a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with the remaining cheeses and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and browned.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 537 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 537 | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 484mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 516mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 800IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 377mg | 38% |
| Iron | 2.8mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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