Pin It A comforting, budget-friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
I remember making this casserole when my kids were little & they loved scooping cheesy bites straight from the pan at the dinner table. It quickly became a staple in our house because everyone would ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- Meat: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Vegetables: 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- Sauce: 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Sauce: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed oregano and basil)
- Sauce: 1/2 tsp paprika
- Sauce: Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Dairy: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the beef. Sauté 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Assemble and top:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It 
Serving this casserole reminds me of cozy Sunday nights when my family came together & shared good food after a long week. There was always laughter as everyone reached for a helping.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to balance the rich flavors. Fresh parsley or sliced green onions add a finishing touch for color and taste.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (cheese). May contain soy depending on brands used. Always check ingredient packaging.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 42 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein, making this a satisfying meal for all ages.
Pin It 
Dig in while the cheese is still gooey & enjoy every comforting bite. This is a classic casserole your family will ask for again and again.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the sauce well and bakes evenly in the casserole.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
- → How should I prepare the vegetables?
Dice the onion and bell pepper finely, and mince the garlic to evenly infuse the sauce during sautéing.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding frozen peas or corn before baking adds color and sweetness to the dish.
- → What cheese types are recommended?
Shredded cheddar provides rich flavor, while mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty texture if used.