Hearty Comfort Macaroni Casserole
This Hearty Comfort Macaroni Casserole is a nostalgic family favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table without breaking the bank. A medley of savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and wholesome stewed tomatoes come together under the fragrant influence of sautéed onions and garlic. Richly flavorful and wonderfully filling, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and makes excellent leftovers. Add a touch of freshness with your choice of herbs, or elevate the dish with whole kernel corn for that extra sweetness. It's a meal that embodies comfort and love, best served with crusty bread and a crisp salad.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Stewed Tomatoes
2 (16 ounce) cans (do not drain)
Water
1 (16 ounce) can (to add liquid)
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Parmesan Cheese
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Carefully drain excess fat.
3
Stir in the canned stewed tomatoes (with their juice), the can of water, the uncooked elbow macaroni, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6
Pair the casserole with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Comfort Macaroni Casserole?
It is a nostalgic family favorite meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and stewed tomatoes.
Is this macaroni casserole budget-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as a budget-friendly meal that brings satisfaction without breaking the bank.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
You should sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
The ground beef should be cooked for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until it is browned.
Should I drain the canned stewed tomatoes?
No, you should add the stewed tomatoes along with their juice to the skillet.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of water.
Do I need to boil the macaroni before adding it to the skillet?
No, you add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni to the mixture uncooked.
How long should the casserole simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
What is a recommended topping for this dish?
You can serve the casserole topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is best served with crusty bread and a crisp side salad.
Is this recipe suitable for leftovers?
Yes, this dish makes excellent leftovers.
Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can elevate the dish by adding whole kernel corn for extra sweetness or your choice of fresh herbs.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of olive oil.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef for this recipe.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 17.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of fat.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal, making it convenient for preparation and cleanup.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What size onion is recommended?
One large onion, chopped, is recommended for this casserole.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, the instructions specify to carefully drain the excess fat after browning the meat.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients listed, including optional Parmesan cheese.
How much macaroni is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Is this meal appropriate for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy weeknight dinner.
How often should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
You should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pan.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses two 16-ounce cans of stewed tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is savory rather than spicy, using garlic, onion, salt, and pepper for flavor.
What is the first step in making this casserole?
The first step is to sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.