Beef And Macaroni Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese dinner according to package instructions.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Top with the prepared macaroni and cheese.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine over low heat.
- Blend in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Mix a small amount of hot mixture into the beaten eggs, then return this to the saucepan.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni layer.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or even substitute turkey for a lighter option. To enhance the creaminess, swap half of the milk for sour cream when making the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef And Macaroni Bake with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread complements the dish beautifully, making it a comforting choice for family dinners. This recipe is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a nostalgic favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Macaroni Bake contains roughly 856 calories, with 29g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Beef And Macaroni Bake a day in advance. Simply complete all steps until the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before placing in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the macaroni and cheese package?
If you prefer homemade, you can make your own cheese sauce using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese with a roux. Combine 2 cups of cooked pasta with 2 cups of cheese sauce, ensuring it’s creamy and flavorful, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled Beef And Macaroni Bake before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, ensuring it's heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).