Brian'S Favorite
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining macaroni, ground beef, beans, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package Kraft macaroni and cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 can vegetarian beans ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- Dash of Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package directions.
- Sauté chopped onion in oil over medium heat until tender.
- Increase heat to medium-high and brown the ground beef.
- Add minced garlic during browning.
- Reduce heat to low and add the vegetarian beans and cooked macaroni and cheese to the beef mixture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, prepared mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, Tabasco sauce, and chopped parsley.
- Mix thoroughly and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have vegetarian beans, black beans or pinto beans work well in this dish. You can also try adding some chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be enjoyed alongside other American recipes like Beef Goulash Stew or River City Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brian'S Favorite contains roughly 869 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1628mg per serving (71% 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 entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to accommodate dietary preferences. Each option will bring its own flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on what you have available.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for added substance. You can also use lentils instead of the meat for protein. The vegetarian beans will still provide great flavor and 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).