Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Casserole, a delightful fusion of hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich, melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with the freshness of diced tomatoes. This dish is both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Whether served as a satisfying main course for four or as a crowd-pleasing side dish for ten, this casserole elevates traditional macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have at AlanLeonetti@q.com.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Butter
3 heaping tablespoons (none)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Granulated Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Beef
1 lb (lean, crumbled)
Elbow Macaroni
1 cup (uncooked)
Tomatoes
1 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of salted water (1 teaspoon of salt) to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for about 6-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
3
Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot.
4
Reduce heat to low. Add the butter, milk, and cheddar cheese to the pot with the macaroni. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
In a deep skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
6
Drain any excess fat if necessary, then stir in the diced tomatoes (without juice) into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7
Combine the beef and tomato mixture into the pot with the macaroni and cheese, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
8
Serve hot, and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring a fusion of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich melted cheddar cheese baked with diced tomatoes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This casserole serves 4 people as a main course or up to 10 people as a side dish.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What kind of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 lb of lean ground beef, crumbled.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While shredded cheddar is used for its rich flavor, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses if preferred.
How long should I cook the elbow macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked in boiling salted water for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef to ensure the dish is not too greasy.
Should I include the juice from the diced tomatoes?
No, the instructions specify adding the diced tomatoes without the juice.
What seasonings are used in this casserole?
The dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic powder.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve or reheat.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can this macaroni casserole be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for future meals.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for family meals.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, but you must ensure the ground beef is completely thawed before browning it in the skillet.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While it involves a skillet and a pot, it is often categorized as a one-pot style meal because ingredients are combined into a single pot for the final assembly.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or peas can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
How do I make this dish spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
What are some recommended side dishes?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement this hearty casserole well.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, its mild and cheesy flavor profile makes it a very kid-friendly meal.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
How much milk is needed for the cheese sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk.
Why is salt added to the boiling water?
Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta internally as it cooks.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What if I don't have granulated garlic powder?
You can substitute with fresh minced garlic or garlic salt, though you should adjust the added salt accordingly.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
Can I bake this in the oven?
While the recipe is finished on the stove, you can transfer it to a baking dish and broil it briefly for a crispy cheese top.
Why is this called a comfort food?
The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and soft pasta creates a warm, satisfying meal traditionally associated with comfort.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
Who can I contact with questions about this recipe?
You can reach out to Alan Leonetti at AlanLeonetti@q.com with any questions.