Beef Bake Casserole
A hearty beef casserole with macaroni, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar, topped with crispy French fried onions — perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned beef, cream of mushroom soup, tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green pepper, and salt.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the French fried onions on top of the mixture in the casserole.
- Pour the remaining mixture over the onions.
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45 to 60 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you’re short on time, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with pre-cooked pasta or another pasta shape. For a twist, try adding some cooked vegetables like peas or mushrooms. This dish pairs well with other American recipes like Aunt Millie'S Calico Beans.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. You might also enjoy serving it with crusty bread or biscuits. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Maggie'S Macaroni for a pasta-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef Bake Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Bake Casserole contains roughly 398 calories, with 19g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (39% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1728mg per serving (75% 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 freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Beef Bake Casserole freezes well. To freeze, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).