Best Cheesy Baked Beef Macaroni Casserole Recipe

There is nothing quite as comforting as a piping hot, freshly baked Beef Macaroni Casserole straight from the oven. This timeless classic transforms simple pantry staples into a show-stopping dinner that the whole family will devour. The secret lies in the rich, glossy meat sauce and the perfect blend of melting cheeses.

When you pull this dish from the oven, you will immediately notice the thick, bubbly layer of golden-orange cheddar and stretchy white mozzarella cheese. The slightly browned, crispy caramelized cheese spots around the edges provide an incredible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta. It is a sensory delight before you even take your first bite.

Garnished lightly with fine flakes of bright green fresh chopped parsley and coarse specks of black pepper, this casserole looks as phenomenal as it tastes. Whether you are hosting a casual weekend gathering or need a hearty weeknight dinner, this foolproof recipe delivers incredible flavor and the ultimate gooey cheese pull every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Cooked Pasta: We use tender tubular macaroni pasta that acts as a flavor vacuum, soaking up the savory juices without turning mushy.
• Rich and Glossy Meat Sauce: A thick, slow-simmered tomato sauce loaded with perfectly browned ground beef coats every single noodle for maximum flavor.
• The Ultimate Cheese Layer: A thick, bubbly combination of melted golden cheddar and white mozzarella creates a gorgeous, gooey pull with every scoop.
• Crispy Edges: Baking this in a rectangular ceramic dish ensures those highly coveted, crispy caramelized cheese spots around the perimeter.
• Visual Appeal: The finishing touch of coarse black pepper and fresh green parsley adds a bright, restaurant-quality finish to the dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor profile, you will need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Gather these items before you begin cooking.

Tubular Macaroni Pasta: You will need 1 lb (450g) of dry tubular macaroni. The hollow center of this pasta perfectly catches the thick meat sauce, ensuring flavor in every single bite.

Ground Beef: Use 1 lb (450g) of lean ground beef (80/20 is ideal). It provides the robust, meaty foundation of the casserole and browns up beautifully in the skillet.

Olive Oil & Aromatics: 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil, alongside 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, builds the essential foundational flavor base. Sautéing these releases deep, sweet notes into the meat.

Tomato Paste: Adding 2 tbsp (30g) of tomato paste is a crucial step. It deepens the rich red color and helps create that thick, glossy texture in the final sauce.

Crushed Tomatoes & Beef Broth: You will need 1 can (28 oz / 800g) of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup (120ml) of beef broth. Together, they form a robust, rich red tomato sauce that simmers down beautifully.

Seasonings: Use 1 tsp (5g) of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp (1g) of coarse black pepper for the base. You will need extra black pepper for the final garnish to add a slight, aromatic bite.

Cheddar Cheese: Shred 1.5 cups (170g) of sharp cheddar cheese from a block. This melts into a vibrant golden-orange layer, adding a tangy, sharp flavor profile.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shred 1.5 cups (170g) of low-moisture mozzarella cheese. This white cheese is the secret to achieving that long, stretchy, gooey cheese pull.

Fresh Parsley: Roughly chop 2 tbsp (5g) of bright green fresh parsley. Scattered over the baked casserole, it provides a fresh, herbal lift that cuts through the richness.

Equipment Needed

• White Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch (23x33cm) ceramic dish ensures even heat distribution and beautiful, crispy edges.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for properly browning the beef and simmering the thick tomato sauce without crowding the pan.
• Large Pasta Pot: You will need plenty of boiling water to give the tubular macaroni room to expand and cook evenly.
• Box Grater: Freshly grating your cheddar and mozzarella from a block ensures a smooth, additive-free melt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Tubular Macaroni

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 1 lb (450g) of tubular macaroni pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking.

Cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb liquid in the oven, so slightly undercooking it is crucial for a tender, structured bite.

2. Sear the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add the 1 lb (450g) of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Listen for the hard sizzle and let it sit undisturbed for a moment to develop a deep brown crust before stirring.

3. Build the Glossy Tomato Sauce

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the minced garlic and 2 tbsp (30g) of tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the paste darkens to a deep brick red.

Pour in the 1 can (28 oz / 800g) of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup (120ml) of beef broth, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes thick, glossy, and rich red.

4. Combine and Assemble

Remove the meat sauce from the heat and fold in the cooked, drained macaroni. Stir gently until every tubular noodle is coated in the thick beef sauce.

Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into your white ceramic rectangular baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, pressing down lightly.

5. Layer the Cheese and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Evenly distribute the 1.5 cups (170g) of shredded mozzarella and 1.5 cups (170g) of shredded cheddar completely over the top layer.

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Watch closely as the cheeses melt into a thick, bubbly layer of golden-orange and stretchy white.

6. Broil for Crispy Edges and Garnish

To achieve those slightly browned and crispy caramelized cheese spots around the edges, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with fine flakes of bright green fresh chopped parsley and coarse specks of black pepper before serving hot and gooey.

Expert Tips for Success

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Grate your cheddar and mozzarella from a block for that perfect, gooey pull.
• Do Not Overcook the Pasta: Boiling the tubular macaroni slightly under al dente ensures it holds its shape while absorbing the glossy red tomato sauce in the oven.
• Caramelize the Tomato Paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute before adding liquids removes its raw, metallic flavor and enhances the deep umami notes of the sauce.
• Watch the Broil: Broilers vary wildly in temperature. Stay by the oven during the last 2 minutes to get those crispy browned edges without scorching the golden-orange cheddar.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover beef macaroni casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day.

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbly.

What to Serve With This & More Recipe Inspiration

This hearty beef macaroni casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or some warm, crusty bread. But if you are looking to expand your culinary horizons, we have a massive collection of amazing recipes to round out your weekly menu!

Sensational Starters & Soups

Begin your feast with crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers like our savory bacon jalapeno popper egg rolls or crispy cheeseburger egg rolls. For lighter bites, try our air fryer veggie chips, blueberry brie jalapeno poppers, or homemade pizza pockets.

If you prefer a warm bowl to start, simmer up some cheeseburger macaroni soup, a rich shrimp bisque, hearty chicken parmesan soup, or traditional chicken and dumplings.

Spectacular Sides

Complement your dinner with savory cheesy sloppy joe garlic bread or whip up a fresh asian cabbage salad. For potato lovers, we highly recommend our creamy mashed potatoes, baked garlic butter potatoes, tangy greek lemon potatoes, or traditional irish colcannon recipe.

Vegetable sides are always a hit; try our crispy baked cauliflower steaks, gooey cheesy cabbage gratin, or the perfectly sweet hot honey roasted carrots. Add an international flair with coconut pineapple rice.

Alternative Main Courses (Beef & Pork)

Looking for more meaty comfort food? Dive into a slow cooker cowboy casserole, an easy crockpot steak and potatoes meal, or our decadent million dollar roast beef tenderloin. Pasta lovers should try our veggie white lasagna, million dollar lasagna, bacon cheeseburger pasta, or crockpot pierogi casserole.

For quick bites, whip up some italian meatballs, cheesy hamburger potato casserole, or a hearty cowboy butter steak.

Alternative Main Courses (Chicken & Seafood)

Switch up your proteins with a chicken torta sandwich, vibrant mediterranean grilled chicken, or garlic herb chicken. Keep it simple with crockpot garlic parmesan chicken, sweet baked honey chicken, or honey butter chicken. For big flavors, try the hot honey feta chicken, lemon feta chicken orzo, jamaican brown stew chicken, or spinach chicken burgers.

Pasta and poultry pair beautifully in our honey pepper chicken pasta, dairy free chicken alfredo, chicken noodle casserole, creamy baked chicken and asparagus, and chicken sausage and broccoli orzo. For entertaining, serve roasted cornish hen, buffalo chicken sliders, or a healthy chicken and sweet potato bowl.

Seafood fans will adore the shrimp and crab biscuit melts, the rich creamy seafood lasagna, an elegant poached salmon recipe, or savory honey garlic shrimp and sausage.

Sauces, Snacks & Sips

Elevate any dish with our versatile white garlic pizza sauce or drizzle on our trending garlic hot honey recipe. If you need a quick pasta fix, toss up some air fryer cheese tortellini or lemon ricotta spaghetti. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of pineapple sangria.

Irresistible Desserts & Sweets

Finish your meal right with our healthy nut and seed cookies, raspberry pistachio bars, or rich white chocolate raspberry fudge. If you love classics, bake our classic cream puffs, german chocolate poke cake, peanut butter cake, or chocolate crinkle cookies. Craving a crunch? Try the french almond cookies, salted honey cinnamon cookies, or oat flour peanut butter cookies.

For fruit lovers, we highly recommend raspberry coconut magic bars, sweet italian lemon jam, cranberry mousse cups, air fryer caramelized bananas, lemon blueberry cottage cheese protein bites, fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches, or berry puff pastry twists.

Cheesecake fans must bake our no bake mini biscoff cheesecakes, decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars, or caramel cheesecake cookies. Top your favorite treats with our homemade biscoff cookie butter or 3 ingredient crumble topping. Treat yourself to creme brulee french toast, apple goat cheese croissant, coconut rum snow squares, or comforting banana bread brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing & Subscribe

This Beef Macaroni Casserole is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation! The bubbly, gooey cheese and rich tomato meat sauce offer unbeatable comfort in every bite. If you tried this recipe and loved it, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below!

Do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious, family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Pin this recipe to your favorite dinner boards on Pinterest using the image below so you can easily find it later!

Recipe Schema

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Best Cheesy Baked Beef Macaroni Casserole Recipe

This comforting Beef Macaroni Casserole features tender tubular pasta tossed in a thick, rich glossy meat sauce, baked until bubbly with a perfect golden cheddar and mozzarella cheese pull.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Ingredients

• 1 lb tubular macaroni pasta Cooked slightly under al dente.
• 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing aromatics.
• 1 medium yellow onion Diced finely.
• 3 cloves garlic Minced.
• 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 mix is ideal.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste Helps thicken the glossy sauce.
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes Forms the rich red base.
• 0.5 cup beef broth Adds deep savory notes.
• 1 tsp kosher salt Adjust to taste.
• 0.5 tsp coarse black pepper Plus extra for garnish.
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese Freshly grated from block.
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese Freshly grated from block.
• 2 tbsp fresh green parsley Chopped for garnish.

Equipment

• 1 White Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish 9x13 inch size recommended.
• 1 Large Skillet For browning the beef and building the sauce.
• 1 Large Pot For boiling the macaroni.

Method

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tubular macaroni pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions until slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, browning it thoroughly until a dark crust forms. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir the minced garlic and tomato paste into the beef, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw tomato flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the cooked macaroni into the rich meat sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch white ceramic baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
5. Cover the top of the casserole completely with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
6. Turn the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes to achieve slightly browned, crispy caramelized cheese edges. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and coarse black pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 34gFat: 28gFiber: 4g

Notes

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Grate your cheddar and mozzarella from a block for that perfect, gooey pull.
Do Not Overcook the Pasta: Boiling the tubular macaroni slightly under al dente ensures it holds its shape while absorbing the glossy red tomato sauce in the oven.

Keyword baked pasta,beef macaroni casserole,Cheesy Macaroni Casserole

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