Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole. Tender elbow macaroni meets a creamy cheddar sauce and seasoned ground beef, baked to a golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy one‑pan recipe delivers rich flavor, gooey cheese, and satisfying texture in under an hour. Ideal for families, meal‑preppers, and anyone craving a hearty, homemade casserole that feels both indulgent and simple. Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add ground beef, brown fully, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in milk, beef broth, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper; simmer.
- Mix cooked macaroni and 1 cup shredded cheddar into the beef mixture.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20‑25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For a crispier top
- broil for the last 2 minutes. Let the casserole rest 5‑10 minutes before serving to set the sauce. Nutrition is approximate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole, easy mac and cheese recipe, beef casserole recipe, weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food casserole, quick family meals, cheesy pasta bake, budget-friendly dinner, one pot casserole, homemade mac and cheese, easy beef dinner