Description
A hearty and delicious casserole made with macaroni, ground beef, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Macaroni: In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix well. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in half a cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
- Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a varied cheese flavor.
- For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup