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This Elbow Macaroni and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine tender elbow macaroni mingling with savory ground beef, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey cheddar cheese. It's a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table, making it a family favorite. Let's dive in and whip up this delicious casserole!
What You Will Need for This Casserole
Read more: Elbow Macaroni Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make elbow macaroni and ground beef casserole
- Elbow macaroni: Provides the base, absorbing flavors from the sauce and beef, creating a hearty, satisfying texture.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein, making the dish filling and delicious.
- Chopped onion: Brings sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic, robust flavor, complementing the beef and sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Offers tangy, rich flavor, binding the ingredients together with a smooth consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, savory topping, adding creamy texture and sharp flavor.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make elbow macaroni and ground beef casserole recipe
Large skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic until they are tender.
Large pot: Needed to cook the elbow macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
Baking dish: Used to combine the macaroni and beef mixture, then bake it to meld flavors and melt the cheese.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the beef mixture and combining it with the cooked macaroni without scratching cookware.
Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni efficiently, ensuring no excess water remains before mixing with the beef.
Elbow Macaroni and Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture in a large baking dish. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Read more: Dried Beef Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the macaroni and beef mixture as directed.
- Let everything cool completely.
- Combine macaroni and beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni and beef mixture.
- Cool the mixture completely.
- Combine in a freezer-safe dish.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the ground beef mixture can give the casserole a subtle, unexpected warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
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