Beef Macaroni Italiano
Beef Macaroni Italiano is a hearty, cheesy pasta dish packed with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying meal with melted mozzarella topping on a baked casserole.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 16 ounces can stewed tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 8 ounces can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine and blend in the flour.
- Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion soup mix, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until bubbly.
- Brown the ground beef and drain.
- Stir the cooked beef into the sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dish, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the sauce before combining with the macaroni. If you're out of elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape can work well. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. For extra flavor, try adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef Macaroni Italiano with a side salad for a balanced meal, or garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a heartier option, pair it with meatballs and spaghetti. This dish also goes well with a light Italian soup to start, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Macaroni Italiano contains roughly 138 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1477mg per serving (64% 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 casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat can be excellent alternatives. Each will bring its own unique flavor, so choose what fits your dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You could also top the dish with a spicy cheese blend or serve with a hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).