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–+ servings

Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole

This Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole is an easy to put together and it boasts big flavor! We’ve made this recipe countless times and everyone in my family raves about it!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 537
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or similar)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (diced, or ½ of a large onion)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook noodles for ¾ of the time directed on the package, they should be slightly under al dente—tender on the outside but firm in the center. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any grease.
  4. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper and cook 3 minutes more, stirring often.
  5. Add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Combine the drained pasta, tomato meat sauce, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with the remaining cheeses (cheddar & mozzarella) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 484mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked pasta, aim for al dente by reducing the cooking time to about ¾ of the package instructions. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and absorbs the flavors of the sauce during baking.
  • To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time, then remove it to allow the cheese to brown and bubble nicely.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey to speed up the cooking process; just add it to the skillet with the veggies to heat through.
  • This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it up to the baking stage, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
  • To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little extra kick.

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