Description
Tender macaroni pasta smothered in a rich, savory beef and tomato sauce, all baked under a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s the ultimate one-pan comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups (300 g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 1½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent (2–3 minutes). Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and seasonings (Italian herbs, paprika, salt, pepper). Simmer on low for 10–12 minutes to thicken and let the flavors blend.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni with the beef sauce. Stir in ½ of the cheddar and mozzarella plus heavy cream if using. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the beef sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg