Hot Beef Macaroni Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole combining tender roast beef, macaroni, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. can roast beef with gravy ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 small can English peas ⓘ
- 1 cup sharp cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice the roast beef and add it to the cooked macaroni.
- Mix in the peas, cubed cheese, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Pour the mixture into a well-greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and top with melted butter.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the sharp cheese with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder flavor. If you don't have English peas, frozen peas work just as well. Feel free to add some cooked mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra flavor, similar to ingredients found in Layered Cheeseburger Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole can be served as a hearty main dish, perfect for family dinners. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, consider garlic bread, which complements the flavors of the casserole well. It's an excellent choice for potlucks or gatherings, much like American recipes that bring everyone together.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Beef Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 936 calories, with 22g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1325mg per serving (58% 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 in this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute the roast beef with shredded chicken or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially if you're using raw meat. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute or adding extra vegetables to keep the dish hearty.
What if I don't have macaroni on hand?
If you don't have macaroni, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the casserole. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the dish even with pantry substitutions.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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).