Spanish-Style Beef and Macaroni Casserole
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of this Spanish-Style Beef and Macaroni Casserole, a hearty dish that combines tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and colorful veggies in a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is both easy to make and deliciously satisfying. The layers of macaroni, beef, and creamy tomato sauce are topped with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese, creating a delightful golden crust that beckons everyone to the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
green pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
cheddar cheese
6 tablespoons (grated)
margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
milk
1 1/2 cups (for sauce)
canned tomato
1/2 cup (undrained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green pepper, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking continuously to create a roux.
6
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese and the canned tomatoes.
7
In a large baking dish, layer half of the macaroni, then half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni, beef, and sauce.
8
Top the casserole with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
42
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish-Style Beef and Macaroni Casserole?
This is a hearty dish that combines tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and colorful vegetables in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with a golden cheddar crust.
What are the primary ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients include macaroni, ground beef, onion, green pepper, cheddar cheese, canned tomatoes, milk, and margarine.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 25 grams of protein per serving.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the Spanish-Style Beef and Macaroni Casserole take to bake?
The casserole needs to bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
How much macaroni is required?
You will need 8 ounces of uncooked macaroni.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
This dish contains 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before assembling the casserole?
Yes, you should boil the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain it before layering.
What vegetables are added to the beef mixture?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped onion and 1/3 cup of chopped green pepper.
How do I prepare the cheese sauce?
Melt margarine, stir in flour to create a roux, gradually whisk in milk until thickened, then stir in 4 tablespoons of cheddar cheese and canned tomatoes.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained for the sauce.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 6 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese.
How should the ingredients be layered in the baking dish?
Layer half of the macaroni, half of the beef, and half of the sauce; repeat these layers once more.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of oil to sauté the onions and peppers.
What seasonings are used for the ground beef?
The beef is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for family dinners or meal prep due to its easy preparation.
How much margarine is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of melted margarine.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
2 tablespoons of flour are used to thicken the milk and margarine into a sauce.
How much milk is needed for the cheese sauce?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of milk.
How much cheese is reserved for the top of the casserole?
Reserve 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
What should I do after the casserole finishes baking?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
No, the fiber and sugar content are not specified for this recipe.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While the recipe says 'oil', you can typically use vegetable or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe consists of 12 distinct ingredients.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The ground beef should be cooked in a skillet until it is browned, and excess fat should be drained.
What size should the onion and pepper pieces be?
The onion and green pepper should be chopped before sautéing.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as having rich, satisfying flavors.