Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
225 grams elbow macaroni
→ Meat
02 -
450 grams ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 -
240 milliliters tomato sauce
06 -
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
09 -
200 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
→ Cooking Fats
10 -
15 milliliters butter or olive oil
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
03 -
Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
04 -
Pour tomato sauce into the beef mixture and stir well. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors.
05 -
Transfer cooked macaroni into a large mixing bowl. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the beef mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
06 -
Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Spread the combined mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
07 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
08 -
Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
09 -
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture during browning.