Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, macaroni, and cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Elbow macaroni: 2 cups (uncooked)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz or 400 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bell pepper: 1 medium, diced (any color)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about five minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked macaroni, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread half of the macaroni and beef mixture in the dish, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, add the remaining macaroni mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Consider adding different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans.
- Mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Adding extra vegetables like peas or spinach can enhance nutrition.
- Experiment with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, family recipe, ground beef, macaroni and cheese