Beef Macaroni Dinner
A hearty beef and macaroni casserole with rich tomato and spice flavors, topped with melted cheddar cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 c chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can mushrooms undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 4 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck and chopped onions in butter in a frying pan.
- Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and cook for another minute.
- Mix in tomato sauce, undrained mushrooms, chili powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, pepper, sugar, and Tabasco sauce.
- Cook and drain the elbow macaroni separately.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture and cook all ingredients together in the frying pan for about 1 hour.
- Transfer the mixture to a large serving dish.
- Arrange triangles of cheddar cheese on top of the dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the meat. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add some veggies, chopped bell peppers or spinach work well. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference. For a twist, stir in some cooked bacon or sausage for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with Cooked Creamy Caesar-Style Dressing. You could also serve it with Oven Baked Fries for a heartier meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving a fruit salad or steamed vegetables alongside the beef macaroni.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Macaroni Dinner contains roughly 490 calories, with 22g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta like penne or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options can also work, though they may slightly alter the dish's texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to enhance the dish's heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this beef macaroni dish freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
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).