Irresistible Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole in 45 Minutes

There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden-brown cheesy beef macaroni casserole out of the oven – the way the cheese stretches when you scoop it, the rich aroma filling your kitchen. This dish has been my go-to comfort food since my college days when my roommate and I would make giant pans of it to survive finals week. Now it’s what I make when my kids have had a tough day at school or when we need a no-fuss dinner that everyone will actually eat (no small miracle with picky eaters!). The best part? It comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. One bite of that creamy, beefy, perfectly cheesy pasta, and you’ll understand why this casserole has earned its spot in my regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

This isn’t just any casserole—it’s the kind of meal that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds). Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Effortless comfort: One dish, minimal fuss, maximum cheesy goodness—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-approved magic: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the creamy pasta and savory beef combo.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand (no fancy grocery runs needed!).
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap the meat, add veggies, or spice it up—it’s your canvas!
• Leftover hero: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).

Trust me, this casserole will become your new comfort food MVP.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters! This is where the magic starts. You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked (that’s about 8 oz)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk (any kind works)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, but so good for that stretchy pull!)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something! This recipe is super flexible. No cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or celery works perfectly. For a gluten-free version, just use your favorite GF pasta and a gluten-free cream soup. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble. And that mozzarella? Totally optional, but it adds such a fun, gooey layer. Honestly, use whatever melty cheese you have—a Monterey Jack blend is fantastic too!

How to Make Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! This cheesy beef macaroni casserole comes together in just a few simple steps – I promise it’s easier than you think. Here’s exactly how I make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when cleanup is a breeze!
2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain it – but here’s my secret: undercook it slightly since it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Mushy pasta = sad casserole.
3. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat with the onion. Drain any excess grease (we want flavor, not grease puddles!). Add garlic and cook just until fragrant – about 30 seconds.
4. Season it up! Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.
5. Make the sauce by mixing in the cream soup and milk until smooth. Take it off the heat and fold in the sour cream – this gives that perfect creamy tang.
6. Combine everything – gently stir in the cooked macaroni until every noodle is coated in that luscious beefy sauce.
7. Layer the cheese – pour into your baking dish and top with 1 1/2 cups cheddar (and mozzarella if using). The more cheese, the merrier!
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps it set perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-skip tips:

• Undercook that pasta! Aim for al dente – it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Brown the beef well – those crispy bits add so much flavor.
• Let it rest after baking – 5 minutes makes all the difference for perfect slices.
• Use block cheese you shred yourself – it melts so much better than pre-shredded.
• Broil briefly at the end if you want extra golden-brown cheesiness.

Variations of Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

The beauty of this casserole? You can make it yours! Try stirring in a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers with the beef for extra veggies. Feeling spicy? A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes wakes it up nicely. For crunch lovers, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. My kids go nuts when I add crispy bacon bits—because let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

This casserole is practically a meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with some simple sides. Garlic bread is my go-to – that crispy, buttery crunch is perfect for scooping up extra cheesy bits! A crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely too. On extra hungry nights, I’ll roast some broccoli or green beans right alongside the casserole. Honestly though? Sometimes we just eat it straight from the pan with forks – no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps beautifully. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers – it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual servings for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating).

When you’re ready to reheat, the oven works best (350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through). No time? The microwave works in a pinch – just stir every minute to keep the texture perfect. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that freshly-baked gooeyness!

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

Nutritional values will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used – always check your product labels for the most accurate information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great here – just know it’ll be a bit lighter in flavor. I like to bump up the seasonings when I use turkey – maybe add an extra pinch of garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. The texture will be just as satisfying!

Q2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free elbows (I like ones made with brown rice flour). Use a gluten-free cream soup (Pacific and Amy’s make great ones) or make your own simple white sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Q3. Can I prep this hamburger macaroni casserole ahead?
Oh honey, this is my favorite make-ahead trick! Assemble the whole casserole (just don’t bake it), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed – you might need an extra 5-10 minutes since it’s going in cold. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Q4. Why does my pasta sometimes get mushy?
Been there! The key is cooking your macaroni to just al dente before baking – it should still have a tiny bite. Remember, it’ll soak up sauce and cook more in the oven. Also, don’t overmix when combining everything – gentle folding keeps the noodles intact.

Q5. Can I freeze this cheesy pasta bake?
You bet! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap the whole dish (or individual portions) tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat at 350°F until bubbly. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be amazing!

Share Your Cheesy Beef Macaroni Casserole

I’d love to see your cheesy creations! Tag me on social media with your casserole pics or leave a comment below telling me how you made it your own. Happy baking, friends!

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