by HollyThis Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole is a easy to put together and it boasts big flavor! We’ve made this recipe countless times and everyone in my family raves about it!
I love macaroni and cheese any which way you serve it… whether it’s super creamy and oven baked or cooked up in the crock pot I just can’t get enough!
This Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole is a very simple to put together yet it boasts big flavor! I’ve added in green pepper but this recipe is easy to modify based on what’s in your fridge (and your own personal preferences). Any type of peppers, chopped zucchini or sliced mushrooms would be amazing in this casserole.
There is nothing fancy in this recipe but it just tastes like .. home. :) Good ol’ comfort food!
Items You’ll Need for This Recipe
* macaroni * 9×13 casserole dish * tomato sauce *
CHEESY BEEF & MACARONI CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dry macaroni noodles or similar
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley divided
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Cook noodles for 3/4 of time according to package. (My noodles said 9 minutes so I cooked them for 6). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Meanwhile, brown beef, garlic & onion in a frying pan. Drain.
- Combine green peppers, beef, noodles, tomatoes, tomato sauce & paste, basil, salt & pepper, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Pour into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Combine remaining cheeses & 1 tablespoon of parsley. Sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is browned!
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Slightly adapted from Wayne’s Beef Macaroni
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I’m making this tonight. I’m using 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb ground sausage, two 14 oz cans crushed tomatoes, two 14 oz cans sauce, 1 lb elbow noodles. I work afternoons so I’m putting the uncooked noodles into the mix and placing is 13×9 pyrex baking dish for family to cook. I’ll add to my post on how well it came out. Feeding 6 adults.
Sounds delicious Amy!
So, it was really really really good. I’m not giving it 5 stars unfortunately. It said that it takes 20 minutes to prepare, it took me 2 hours unfortunately. By the time you browned the beef and cooked the pasta and chopped everything up (onions, garlic and peppers) and grated the cheese). It really tires you out. Need a huge pot to mix everything before you put it in the baking dish and that’s not said (it should be said).
However, once it got through it, it was AWESOME!!! I would add mushrooms to it if I was to do it again.!
I’m glad you enjoyed the flavors of this recipe!
20 prep time
40 cook time
1 hour total
Whole family loves this! Tweaked a bit because I didn’t have everything and I didn’t want to run to the store. I had no green peppers so added crushed red pepper. Also used a cup of New York extra sharp cheddar cheese. WONDERFUL!
I am so glad you were able to make this work with what you had on hand!
I love your easy meal recipes will try them all.. Thank You for sharing..
I made this recipie and it turned out fantastic and delicious. I replaced the tomato sauce with tomato soup bc I was out. I only used half the cheese recommended. Watching my fat and cal. Might even omit cheese next time and just sprinkle some atop of casserole. I think I may use more tomatoes. This recipe made a lot. The tomato soup gave it a sweeter flavour. I’m def adding this to my recipe book!
I am so glad you were able to make this recipe work with what you had on hand!
My macaroni says 6 minutes for al dante so would I do the 4 minutes or the 6 minute al dante
I would cook it 4 minutes and check it. It should be soft but still be a bit firm.
Love the recipes
Thank you Holly for sharing your recipes with us! I’m making the Cheesy Beef and Macaroni one today. And I plan on making some of your other ones also. They all look so delicious!
I hope you love it Diana! That is one of our favorite recipes!
I really love this site.
I really love these recipe’s
Widower Herb
Thank you so much Herb!
Great !
I just love these recipes.. Saved some of them!! Can’t wait to try them…
Thank you Stella!
Delicious!! I didn’t have parsley but it was a hit. I also used left over spaghetti sauce and roasted veggies. This is similar to a meal my mom used to cook for us growing up, she liked to add Italian sausage. Thanks for posting!
So glad you loved it!
I just need a little clarification for next time…
I have never seen grated cheddar cheese. I assume you mean shredded?
And as far as “fresh” Parmesan cheese is concerned, well, I only had “grated” on hand. lol. Do you recommend shredded? Or does it matter?
I am far from being a Martha Stewart, so I need all the help I can get. Lol
Thanks
Thank you for your comment, I’ve updated to ingredients to make it more clear. :)
Yes, both the cheddar and parmesan cheese are fresh shredded cheese. :) I’m sure grated parmesan would work in this recipe although shredded is best.
Nice recipe. Thank you.
Thank you Liz!