Lo-Cal Cheesaroni Beef Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining lean beef, tomato sauce, and pasta, topped with mozzarella and Romano cheeses. Perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 medium size onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 6 oz. large macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) carton low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. part-skim Mozzarella cheese shredded ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. grated Romano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Season ground beef with garlic salt.
- Spread the seasoned beef in a shallow layer in a nonstick baking pan.
- Broil the meat about 2 inches from the heat until the surface is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Combine the browned meat, sliced onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and chili powder in a large saucepan or kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the macaroni for 15 minutes.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water.
- Toss the cooked macaroni with cottage cheese.
- Spread the cottage cheese and macaroni mixture in the bottom of a shallow 12-cup baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the macaroni mixture.
- Spoon the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Top with grated Romano cheese.
- Freeze for future use or bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for the lean ground beef and use whole wheat macaroni. Adding bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the veggie content. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped onions or a store-bought marinara sauce as a base for the meat sauce. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavors. It pairs beautifully with American recipes such as garlic bread or a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. This casserole also freezes well; simply wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Cheesaroni Beef Casserole contains roughly 757 calories, with 35g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), and calcium (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 999mg per serving (43% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based ricotta or blended silken tofu mixed with a bit of nutritional yeast for flavor.
Can this recipe be scaled for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or halved. Just ensure to adjust the baking dish size accordingly and monitor the baking time, as a larger casserole may take longer to heat 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).