This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole is a hearty family-style dinner loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, savory tomato sauce, and plenty of bubbling melted cheese. Everything bakes together into a rich, comforting casserole that is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, meal prep, or whenever you need an easy crowd-pleasing dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- Savory ground beef and tender macaroni make it hearty and filling
- Melted cheddar creates an irresistible golden cheesy topping
- Simple pantry ingredients make it budget-friendly and easy
- Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, and make-ahead meals
Ingredients Overview
Beef Mixture
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the macaroni until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the beef.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Beef Sauce
Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano.
Stir well.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce becomes rich and slightly thickened.
5. Combine with the Pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet.
Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
Fold in ½ cup cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Spread evenly.
Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan generously over the top.
7. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is completely melted.
For a deeper golden topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching carefully.
Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the macaroni slightly under al dente because it continues cooking in the oven.
- Drain excess grease from the beef so the casserole does not become oily.
- Simmer the tomato sauce until slightly thickened to avoid a watery casserole.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before serving so it holds together better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy beef macaroni casserole with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Caesar salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Leftover Ideas
- Add extra mozzarella and rebake for an even cheesier pasta dinner.
- Spoon leftovers into bell peppers and bake until tender.
- Turn leftovers into a quick skillet meal with spinach or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rotini, shells, rigatoni, or ziti all work well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted and seasoned the same way.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of bubbling melted cheese in one comforting family dinner. Easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for leftovers, this classic casserole is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
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