Meat And Macaroni Dish
A hearty and comforting meat and macaroni casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato soup topping. This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of flavors with a creamy, savory finish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the ground beef in fat until lightly browned, then add chopped onions, salt, and pepper; cook until onions are softened.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- In a well oiled baking dish, layer half of the cooked meat mixture at the bottom.
- Add a layer of macaroni on top of the meat layer.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the macaroni layer.
- Pour the can of tomato soup over the top, covering the layers evenly.
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Ensure you don't overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This dish is a comforting classic in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty meat and macaroni dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Southern Baked Beans or garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top before serving adds a nice touch. This dish also makes for great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Macaroni Dish contains roughly 332 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and assemble them in a baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just increase baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze this meat and macaroni dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a teaspoon of sugar and some Italian herbs. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce or marinara can also work well to achieve a similar flavor.
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).