Comfort Food Classic: Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole Recipe

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There's something incredibly comforting about a well-made casserole, and this Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole is a dish that delivers on every front. With layers of creamy macaroni and rich, flavorful beef, it's the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you're craving something hearty. The cheesy goodness paired with the savory beef makes it an irresistible combination, perfect for any night of the week.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: a classic macaroni and cheese base and a flavorful beef layer, topped with melty mozzarella. The result is a dish that’s simple to prepare but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s an ideal recipe for those busy weeknights when you want to serve something filling and delicious without too much hassle. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be tweaked to suit your family’s tastes, whether you want to add some vegetables, spice it up, or prepare it in advance.

The recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it even more convenient. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole is a recipe you'll want to add to your rotation.

Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole Recipe

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni and Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce, as desired)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to coat. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Layer

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Season: Add the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine.
3. Add Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with the macaroni and cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
2. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the casserole for a pop of color.
2. Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

This Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can easily spice it up by adding red pepper flakes to the beef layer or toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. It’s also a great make-ahead meal – simply assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

With its creamy, cheesy macaroni, and savory beef layer, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you want something satisfying that will warm you up and leave you feeling comforted.

Here are the sources I found that relate to the Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole and its various elements:

1. Macaroni and Cheese Base:
2. • For a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, Allrecipes suggests using sharp cheddar cheese, creating a roux with butter and flour, and adding cold milk gradually for a smooth sauce. This step-by-step approach ensures a velvety sauce perfect for a casserole​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
3. Ground Beef Layer:
4. • Ground beef is often cooked with garlic, onions, and a touch of Italian seasoning to infuse more flavor. Some recipes also recommend using marinara or tomato sauce to make the dish heartier, as seen in Allrecipes' beef casserole tips​(Allrecipes).
5. Assembling and Baking:
6. • Topping the casserole with mozzarella or a combination of cheeses, like in home-style mac and cheese recipes, adds a golden, crispy finish when baked​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).