Description
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings. This hearty dish combines tender macaroni pasta with savory ground beef and a gooey layer of sharp cheddar cheese that will wrap you in warmth and satisfaction. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a family favorite that guarantees smiles at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture and half of the cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, swap ground beef with turkey or add vegetables like spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.