Scalloped Beef And Macaroni
Creamy and hearty scalloped beef with macaroni combines savory ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and spices for a comforting family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef or cubed leftover roast beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- crushed garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chili sauce or salsa ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Saute chopped onion, diced celery, and crushed garlic in a skillet until tender.
- Add ground beef or cubed leftover roast beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- In a baking casserole dish, combine cooked beef, macaroni, diced tomatoes, chili sauce or salsa, sautéed vegetables, spices, and flour. Stir well.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on top of the mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking. If you're out of elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape will work well. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can elevate the flavor profile and complement the beef. For extra spice, add jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. This dish is a perfect way to use leftover roast beef from your favorite beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve scalloped beef and macaroni with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner, or complement it with a light soup like Blushing Onion Soup. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, as it satisfies both adults and kids alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Beef And Macaroni contains roughly 293 calories, with 14g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. It will provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish. Just be sure to season the turkey well, as it can be milder in taste. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure it is fully cooked.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make scalloped beef and macaroni vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the dish. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if needed, and check that your chili sauce or salsa is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help it heat evenly and maintain its texture.
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).