Italian Meat Casserole
A hearty Italian-inspired casserole combining savory beef, melty cheddar, and tender macaroni in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until tender; drain and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet; sauté chopped onions and ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic salt until the meat is browned.
- Add 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese to the meat mixture; stir until melted.
- Remove from heat.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of butter with cooked macaroni.
- Combine macaroni with meat mixture, 1 1/2 cans of tomato sauce, and mushrooms; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with remaining tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs such as basil or oregano in the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use whole grain elbow macaroni for a healthier option. For an extra layer of richness, add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine also pairs beautifully with this dish. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a dish of Manicotti With Beef And Cheese for a delicious Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the casserole completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meat Casserole contains roughly 819 calories, with 42g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2447mg per serving (106% 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 the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions to ensure it remains al dente.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).