Cheesy Beef Mac Casserole
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Beef Mac Casserole, a perfect one-dish meal that combines the savory flavors of ground beef and rich spaghetti sauce with tender macaroni, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Quick to prepare and satisfying, it promises to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Serve it hot and watch it disappear from the table!
6
Servings
450
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Spaghetti Sauce
30 ounces (jarred)
Macaroni
7 ounces (cooked according to package directions and drained)
Salad Dressing or Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (use either based on preference)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir the spaghetti sauce into the browned beef, mixing well until heated through.
5
Add the cooked macaroni and salad dressing (or mayonnaise) to the skillet and stir until combined and heated through.
6
Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
33g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Mac Casserole?
Cheesy Beef Mac Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and macaroni in a creamy dressing, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 450 calories per serving.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
How much ground beef is required for this casserole?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground beef.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of salad dressing?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of salad dressing or mayonnaise based on your personal preference.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of macaroni pasta.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 30 ounces of jarred spaghetti sauce.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before assembling the casserole?
Yes, cook the macaroni according to the package directions and drain it before adding it to the mixture.
Should the ground beef be drained?
Yes, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat before mixing in other ingredients.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 24g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving of this casserole?
There are 24g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 33g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly dish that is popular with both children and adults.
When do I add the macaroni to the beef?
Add the cooked macaroni and dressing to the skillet after the spaghetti sauce has been mixed with the beef and heated through.
Can I make this as a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a complete one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Is this dish good for potlucks?
Yes, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it ideal for potlucks.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The addition of 1/2 cup of salad dressing or mayonnaise provides the creamy texture.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey if preferred.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is ready when the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving hot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 5 main ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include one dish meal, casserole, beef, comfort food, easy dinner, macaroni, cheesy, and quick meal.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy-to-prepare meal.
Can I add extra cheese to the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of shredded cheddar cheese to your preference.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot directly from the baking dish for the best experience.