Italian Macaroni Casserole
A hearty Italian-inspired casserole combining tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and rich spaghetti sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers comforting flavors with a cheesy, meaty layer that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Brown the ground beef with sliced celery if using; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and drained mushrooms into the beef mixture.
- Simmer the meat and sauce mixture for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt; toss lightly.
- Place the macaroni mixture in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and press evenly in the bottom.
- Pour the meat mixture over the macaroni in the pan.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake or refrigerate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of cottage cheese or ricotta to the macaroni mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want extra flavor, sauté some onions and bell peppers with the ground beef. For a quicker meal, use a pre-made meat sauce instead of cooking the beef from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Macaroni Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Neil's Hearty Italian Soup. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor. Enjoy with a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 396 calories, with 12g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and iron.
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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, you can use marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce. You could even use a jar of Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation, though it will change the flavor profile of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just ensure it's well-wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed for best results.
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).