If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare, this Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining tender macaroni with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and garlic, this dish is topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. Whether served straight from the stovetop or baked with a golden cheesy crust, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Simple ingredients and bold flavors make it a go-to dish for busy nights!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked macaroni
• 10.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 celery stalk
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese

Equipment I Used

• Skillet
• Stockpot
• Colander
• Cutting Board

How to Make It

Cook the macaroni

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Sauté the vegetables

While the macaroni is cooking, warm a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced celery and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the celery begins to soften.

Cook the ground beef

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the celery and garlic. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated in the tomato paste, adding a rich flavor to the dish. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine ingredients

In the same pot used to cook the macaroni, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Stir in the cooked macaroni and the beef mixture. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes over medium heat to warm through.

Serve or bake

For a stovetop version, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top and serve immediately. For a baked version, transfer the beef and macaroni mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the top, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.