Comforting Homemade Macaroni Beef Casserole 🍝🥩

This hearty and delicious macaroni beef casserole combines tender pasta with a richly flavored beef sauce, topped with gooey cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for family dinners or any occasion where you need a filling meal. This dish can easily be made ahead of time and baked straight from the fridge for a quick weeknight dinner.

Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete your comforting feast! 🥗🍞

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

For the topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you’re using peas, add them now too. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

🍽️ Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition!

6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef sauce and add in the cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.

7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top generously with mozzarella cheese and, if using, the breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

🥄 If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the beef sauce!

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with lentils, tempeh, or your favorite vegetables (like zucchini and bell peppers) for a meatless version.
• Buffalo Chicken: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a zingy twist!

Serve up a warm dish of this Homemade Macaroni Beef Casserole and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🍽️❤️