Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef, this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is everything comfort food should be. A twist on classic American goulash, it delivers all the cozy, nostalgic vibes of a homemade meal without hours of prep. This is the kind of quick dinner recipe that brings the whole family to the table—great for easy dinner ideas, comforting food ideas, or weeknight casseroles packed with hearty flavor.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Meanwhile, cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain well.
5. Combine beef sauce and cooked macaroni. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, macaroni and cheese, ground beef pasta, family dinner