Beef and Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Welcome to Love with Recipes, where we bring you delightful culinary creations like our savory Beef and Macaroni Casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family, combining tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and cheesy goodness into one satisfying meal.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 8
Calories per Serving: 448.8
Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Meat, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups celery, diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Italian-style tomatoes, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 oz macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, diced celery, and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more beef broth as needed to maintain a sauce-like consistency.
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Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Briefly sauté sliced mushrooms until just tender.
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Combine and Bake:
- Add the sautéed mushrooms, dried oregano, dried basil, cooked macaroni, and drained spinach to the beef sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the beef and macaroni mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top and Bake:
- In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- This Beef and Macaroni Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 448.8
- Total Fat: 22.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.9g
- Cholesterol: 61.5mg
- Sodium: 1123.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.1g
- Sugars: 8.8g
- Protein: 26.8g
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply allow a few extra minutes of baking time if starting from cold.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like diced bell peppers and zucchini.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next potluck, this Beef and Macaroni Casserole is sure to satisfy. Bursting with flavors and textures, it’s a versatile recipe that will become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting meal and sharing it with your loved ones!
