Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, melted cheese with savory ground beef and tender macaroni. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, evoking nostalgia with every cheesy bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions in olive oil until soft (about 5 minutes). Add ground beef and garlic; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked macaroni with beef mixture and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. For spice, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.