Cheesy Beef Pasta

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

Cheesy Beef Pasta mixes savory seasoned beef with tender macaroni, all coated in a rich tomato sauce and finished with melty cheese. Simple to whip up, it’s an ultimate comfort dish that suits busy evenings or slow family meals. It’s a layered casserole with loads of texture and taste, from browning beef with onions to baking bubbly with mozzarella. Every spoonful’s warm, filling, and irresistibly nostalgic.

Mena
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:46:03 GMT
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This beef and macaroni casserole blends juicy ground beef, soft elbow pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce all in one dish. With melted mozzarella on top, this satisfying meal brings back childhood memories while being incredibly easy to throw together. It's the go-to choice when you need a quick but filling dinner.

INGREDIENTS
  • Elbow macaroni: 2 cups, creates the pasta foundation
  • Tomato sauce: 8 oz can, forms the base of the sauce
  • Ground beef: 1 lb, provides meaty goodness
  • Tomato paste: 1 tbsp, concentrates the tomato flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded, creates a stretchy topping
  • Diced tomatoes: 14.5 oz can, gives chunky texture
  • Onion: 1 small, chopped, adds natural sweetness
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, brings aroma to the sauce
  • Dried basil: 1 tsp, offers herbal sweetness
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp, adds Italian flair
  • Salt and pepper: to taste, balances all flavors
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1:
Cook the macaroni in water with salt until just tender, drain and put aside.
Step 2:
Brown the beef in a big pan, then throw in onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
Step 3:
Mix in the canned tomatoes, sauce, paste, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Let it bubble gently for 5-7 minutes so flavors can mix.
Step 4:
Combine the drained pasta with the meat mixture, stir it up, then pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 5:
Cover everything with the shredded mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese gets bubbly and golden brown.
Serving and Storage Tips
  • Scoop it straight from the baking dish while it's hot.
  • Keep any extras in your fridge for up to 3 days; warming it in the oven works best.
Helpful Notes
  • Toss in some red pepper flakes if you want to add heat.
  • Try ground turkey as a lighter meat option.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Sam thinks using half mozzarella and half cheddar makes the top more flavorful.
Making Beefaroni Your Own

You can jazz up this dish by adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients and taste.

A Comforting Family Classic

This warm, cheesy pasta dish will become a household favorite thanks to its tasty meat sauce and gooey cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I make Beefaroni ahead of time?

You bet! Make it early and pop it in the fridge. Just bake it right before you want to eat.

How should I store leftovers?

Put them in a container with a tight lid and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Beefaroni?

Absolutely! Wrap it up good in foil and it'll last about 2 months frozen. Just heat it in the oven later.

How can I add more flavor?

Switch the beef for Italian sausage or add more herbs like rosemary and thyme.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Pasta combines ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful tomato base topped with irresistible cheese for a cozy dish. Start by cooking aromatics like onions and garlic, then mix with ground beef and tomato goodness seasoned with Italian spices. Toss with tender pasta, layer in a baking dish, and cover in mozzarella. Bake till it’s bubbly and golden brown. It’s easy, warm, and just perfect for any casual family dinner or busy weeknight meal.

Cheesy Beef Pasta

A comforting combo of ground beef, macaroni, and cheesy tomato sauce baked to perfection. Ideal for cozy family dinners.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 casserole dish)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb of ground beef, great for a filling dish.
02 2 cups of elbow macaroni, makes a soft pasta base.
03 1 small onion, diced for extra taste.
04 2 minced garlic cloves, packs in bold flavor.
05 One 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, brings juiciness and bite.
06 8 oz of tomato sauce, thick and flavorful.
07 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, for depth and richness.
08 A teaspoon of dried oregano, adds a warm herb flavor.
09 1 teaspoon of dried basil, offers a soft, sweet taste.
10 Salt and pepper as needed, boosts all the flavors.
11 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, melts perfectly on top.

Instructions

Step 01

In salted water, boil elbow macaroni until almost tender. Drain it and keep it aside.

Step 02

Using a big skillet on medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.

Step 03

Mix in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and some salt and pepper. Let it slowly cook for about 5-7 minutes to blend everything together.

Step 04

Put the cooked macaroni into the skillet and stir it until fully coated with the sauce. Then, move it all into an oiled baking dish.

Step 05

Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should get bubbly, gooey, and nicely browned.

Notes

  1. This dish is a comforting casserole that combines ground beef, soft macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella, it's ideal for casual family dinners or busy weeknights.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 22 g