Macaroni And Beef Italiano
A hearty Italian-inspired baked macaroni and beef casserole with savory cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain the macaroni.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion, green pepper, and lean ground beef in salad oil until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in 1 1/4 cups spaghetti sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, basil, and water. Bring to a boil, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper until cheese is melted.
- Pour the meat sauce into a greased 3-quart casserole dish or 13x9-inch pan.
- Spoon the cooked macaroni over the sauce.
- Cover with cheese sauce and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Drizzle remaining spaghetti sauce on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey or sausage for the lean ground beef. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for a healthier option. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. To enhance the dish's richness, try incorporating some ricotta cheese into the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni and Beef Italiano with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables can also complement the dish nicely. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian Pizza Loaf for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni And Beef Italiano contains roughly 544 calories, with 20g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1687mg per serving (73% 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 macaroni and meat sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with foil, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, you can substitute it with Mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. For a sharper taste, try using Gruyère or a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
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).