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Ingredients for Beef Macaroni Casserole including tubular pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, cheddar, and mozzarella.
FL Recipes

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

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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