Description

Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy, beefy baked delight! Reindeer’s Favorite Bake is a hearty casserole loaded with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and gooey melted cheddar. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners or a festive gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add diced onion, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spread evenly, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Tips and Conclusion

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and gently stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the savory sauce.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it generously across the surface.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or extra cheese, if desired, and serve warm.

Reindeer’s Favorite Bake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings everyone to the table. Perfectly cheesy, delightfully beefy, and endlessly comforting, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal, and enjoy exploring more kid-friendly favorites on our site! 🦌🧀✨