Cheesy Macaroni & Beef Casserole
This Cheesy Macaroni & Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy families. With a rich blend of ground beef, hearty spaghetti sauce, and tender elbow macaroni combined in one pot, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy topping that melts beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience. Cooked in a slow cooker, it's a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills the air with mouthwatering aromas. Ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (prepared)
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
whole corn
16 ounces (canned and undrained)
beef broth
28 ounces (canned)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (to taste)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (to enhance flavor)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2
Transfer the browned beef and onions to a 6-quart (or 8-quart) crock pot.
3
Add the spaghetti sauce, uncooked elbow macaroni, undrained whole corn, beef broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar to the crock pot. Stir until well combined.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
5
Once the cooking time is up, sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes with the lid on, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
27g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Macaroni & Beef Casserole?
This is a comforting slow cooker dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, spaghetti sauce, corn, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of ground beef for this casserole.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef with chopped onions in a skillet and drain the excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Should the macaroni be cooked before adding it to the crock pot?
No, the recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni which will cook in the liquid inside the crock pot.
What size crock pot is recommended?
A 6-quart or 8-quart crock pot is recommended for this recipe.
How long does this casserole take to cook?
It cooks for a total of 5 hours: 1 hour on high followed by 4 hours on low.
Do I need to drain the canned corn?
No, you should use undrained whole corn as the liquid helps cook the pasta.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its strong flavor and excellent melting properties.
Why is brown sugar included in the recipe?
Brown sugar is added to enhance the flavor profile and balance the acidity of the spaghetti sauce.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube if beef broth is unavailable.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains about 20g of protein.
What is the fat content of this casserole?
This recipe contains approximately 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini can be used.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole in portions for up to 3 months.
When should I add the cheese?
Add the grated cheese after the cooking time is complete, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to melt.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its set-it-and-forget-it nature and easy storage make it ideal for meal prep.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
What type of oil is used for browning?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used to heat the skillet for browning the beef.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are great lean alternatives for this recipe.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce is needed?
A standard 26-ounce jar of prepared spaghetti sauce is used.
Does the recipe require stirring?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the ingredients occasionally during the 4-hour low-heat cooking period.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a mild, cheesy, and hearty dish that is generally a favorite for children and adults alike.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely; bell peppers or diced carrots would be great additions during the browning stage.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This casserole pairs well with a side green salad or garlic bread.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?
Stick to the recommended cooking times and ensure you reduce the heat to low after the first hour.