Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Beef and Macaroni is a delightful comfort food that hits the spot for many. It combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite. This dish is not only filling but also easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home!
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 diced onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Drain the excess grease once the beef is browned.
- Add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and elbow macaroni.
- Add the bay leaves and let the mixture bubble.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the liquid reduces.
- Remove the bay leaves, stir well, and serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
Serve Cheesy Beef and Macaroni hot, directly from the pan. It’s perfect on its own or you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. The melted cheddar cheese on top adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite delicious!
How to Store Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, just put it in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Tips to Make Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
- Make sure to drain the grease from the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- For creamier macaroni, you can stir in some cream cheese or sour cream before serving.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas. For a healthier option, substitute the elbow macaroni with whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of ground beef.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Cheesy Beef and Macaroni freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, for a vegetarian option.
Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Hearty ground beef for rich flavor
- 1 diced onion Adds sweetness and depth
- 1/2 tsp salt To taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper To taste
- 1 tsp onion powder Enhances onion flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning For added herbal notes
- 1 tsp paprika Adds a touch of sweetness and color
- 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce Brings umami flavor
- 1 TBSP minced garlic Fresh garlic for flavor
- 2 cans (8 oz) tomato sauce Base of the sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes Adds texture and freshness
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth Adds depth to the dish
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Main carbohydrate component
- Shredded cheddar cheese To top the dish before serving
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Drain the excess grease once the beef is browned.
- Add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and elbow macaroni.
- Add the bay leaves and let the mixture bubble.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the liquid reduces.
- Remove the bay leaves, stir well, and serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese.