Description

This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and layers of rich, cheesy goodness for a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With a flavorful meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted cheddar, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Preparation Method

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when the casserole is assembled and layered.

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.

Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and develop. The herbs will infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors.

Prepare the Macaroni Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed. The creamy sour cream and cottage cheese create a rich base that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.

Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the macaroni mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, spoon half of the meat sauce over the macaroni, spreading it out to cover the noodles. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni mixture, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown. This will give the casserole a delicious, crispy cheesy crust.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. This gives the layers a chance to set, making it easier to serve.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For added texture and flavor, consider topping the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the final 10 minutes of baking. You can also substitute ground turkey for the beef or add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier twist.

Conclusion:
This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, savory beef, and layers of creamy cheese for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy-to-make classic!