Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

My cheesy beef and macaroni casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. I love how it combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, all baked together under a layer of gooey, golden cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table and smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The creamy, cheesy layers make it feel indulgent, while the tomato and beef sauce give it a homey, comforting flavor. It’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping since it reheats beautifully. Plus, it’s made with ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned, then drain off any excess fat.

3. I add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

4. I stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend.

5. Meanwhile, I cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain it well.

6. In a large bowl, I combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. I stir everything together until evenly mixed and creamy.

7. I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

8. I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that perfect cheesy crust.

9. I bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

10. I let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving—it’s rich, cheesy, and so satisfying.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes around 45 minutes total, including prep and baking time.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

• Veggie Boost: I mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.

• Creamier Version: I stir in a little cream cheese or extra sour cream for a richer sauce.

• Mexican Twist: I swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex flavor.

• Turkey Version: I use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. This casserole can also be frozen—just cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! I often prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. I just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I sometimes use penne, rotini, or shells—any short pasta works well.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I love the combination of cheddar and mozzarella for melt and flavor, but Colby Jack or provolone also work beautifully.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free pasta and double-check that my sauces are gluten-free.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

I sprinkle extra cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra gooey, golden layer.

Conclusion

My cheesy beef and macaroni casserole is the definition of comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of hearty flavor. I love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat, whether fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that always earns a spot on my dinner table when I want something cozy, filling, and undeniably delicious.