Beef And Macaroni(Serves Six)
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, macaroni, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Pour the cooked macaroni over the meat mixture in the skillet.
- Add ketchup, salt, and black pepper; stir well to combine.
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if necessary, top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 450°F until the cheese melts and is bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers when browning the beef and onions. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a homemade cheese sauce. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to customize the dish to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef and Macaroni with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Tomato-Beef Soup for a comforting dinner. For a touch of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Beef and Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Macaroni(Serves Six) contains roughly 358 calories, with 10g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2293mg per serving (100% 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 use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, try using ground pork or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add extra time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What can I do if the dish is too dry?
If you find your Beef and Macaroni is too dry, you can add a little more cream of mushroom soup or a splash of beef broth to moisten it. Stir well and bake for a few more minutes to allow it to warm through. Adding a bit more cheese on top can also enhance the creamy texture.
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).