Description
This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a melty blend of cheeses, all baked until golden. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add 1 cup of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small finely chopped onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mix well.
- Add in the cooked macaroni, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Pour the milk mixture into the meat and macaroni bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Transfer the meat and macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- For an extra cheesy finish, add more shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes