Beef And Macaroni Dinner
A hearty, cheesy beef and macaroni casserole with tomatoes and onions, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese dinner according to package instructions.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, adding 2 tablespoons chopped onion and cooking until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
- Drain the can of tomatoes and fold them into the cooked beef mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup milk to the beef and tomato mixture and stir well.
- Combine the beef mixture with the prepared macaroni and cheese.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or reheat on the stove to serving temperature, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef and tomato mixture. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comfort food favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef and macaroni dinner with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs well with cornbread or garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, add some shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust that complements the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Macaroni Dinner contains roughly 633 calories, with 28g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% 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 tomato mixture and the macaroni and cheese separately, then combine them when you're ready to bake. This can save you time on busy nights. Just store the components in the fridge and bake them when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce as a substitute. Fresh tomatoes will require cooking down a bit longer to achieve a similar consistency, while tomato sauce will create a smoother mixture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth or a non-dairy milk alternative to keep it vegetarian-friendly while still achieving a hearty and satisfying dish.
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).