Beefy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe (2024)

Beefy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe (1)

Make sure to REPIN this recipe 🙂

There is something perfect about meaty cheesy pasta goodness.

It is really hard to go wrong when you throw those ingredients together into a casserole dish – for this recipe I really wanted to make it extremely simple in measurements ( like 1 pound of pasta) as well as frugal

We actually enjoyed the casserole you see above at my husband’s birthday party and everyone loved it 🙂

Everything you need is above — the “secret” okay not so “secret” ingredient is fresh basil — I remember as a kid loving to pick fresh basil and smell it because it reminded me of pasta dinners my family made.

This dish can be made gluten – free if you exchange the pasta for gluten – free pasta – I highly suggest Mrs.Leepers gluten – free pasta it is my favorite 🙂

You know when you make a good dinner when no one is talking at the dinner table – have you ever noticed that?

My family devoured the casserole in one sitting 🙂 You can choose a different type of pasta but I thought macaroni would be the perfect size – especially the ridges on the pasta it just captures that sauce ( which is something my dad mentions every time we use that type of pasta 😉 )

Here is a VERY BLURRY picture of my husband getting a piece of the casserole

I think the final cost of the casserole was under $6 which is pretty rockin for 6 servings – though my husband ate about 3 servings himself ( I do not know how he does it )

Yum Yum Yum

I really hope you make this recipe and if you do please make sure to comment on this post how you liked it – I love to hear back from you guys!

Love You!

Beefy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

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Ingredients

  • 24 ounces of your favorite pasta sauce
  • ⅓ Cup of basil - thinly sliced
  • 1 pound of pasta ( cooked)
  • 1 of beef - cooked and drained
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 2 Cups of Medium Cheddar
  • 2 Cups of Mozzerella

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375
  2. In a LARGE skillet over medium heat combine the following - pasta, basil, sauce, beef, 2 cups of mozzerella, 1 cup of cheddar, healthy amount of salt and pepper - - mix until all the cheese is melted
  3. Spread into a 9x13 casserole dish - sprinkle the 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top
  4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes
  5. Enjoy!

Categorized:

  • Kid Friendly
  • Main
  • Recipes

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Comments

  • Debbie

    I love Mac & Cheese and this makes it even better! Thanks for all the great recipes!

  • kelly mcgrew

    staple in our house now.. thanks Budget Savvy Diva !

    • Watson

      You are too sweet 🙂

  • Nancy

    I don’t know what made me make this because it was so much like others I have tried. While putting it together I was no more impressed in fact very doubtful because the consistency seemed wrong. I can tell you that I am so glad I made this. My husband has inhaled it each time I have made it. Sooooo good!

    • Sara

      I am glad you made it too 🙂

  • jennifer

    this looks great!!

  • Kim

    Yum! My boyfriend would love this! 🙂

  • J. Sinclair

    Just want to ask if the amount of beef is 1 pound?
    Thanks! This looks so amazing!

  • Rosie

    I just made it, but used turkey burger and a little extra cheese (about 1 cup additional). The family loved it!

  • Hly V

    My mom used to make something similar to this 🙂

  • Shannon

    I’m not good at this sort of thing… But is this an easy one to freeze and eat later? At what point do I freeze it? Just follow all steps until I get to “bake 30 min”? And would I put it in the oven directly from the freezer?

  • Jacqueline

    When you say the final cost worked out to $6, do you mean $6 per serving? Because 1lb of ground beef alone cost me $5.81 and that was on sale. And the classico pasta sauce cost $3….. I love the recipe but I have no idea where you got a $6 cost from.

    • Sara

      Where do you live? Ground beef is under $3 per pound and Classico is about $1.25

      • Leslie

        Lol, I was thinking the same thing as Jacqueline. The cheese alone would be more than $6. I’m in Canada though, so that’s likely the difference. ☺

  • Katy

    I don’t have fresh basil but I want to make this. Could I substitute with something? Or, will it still taste okay without it?

  • dkfoye

    This was a Big hit for dinner tonight, made more than we could eat but it was delicious. Will make it again. Maybe not so much the next time.

  • Katrina

    Are you supposed to boil the pasta before combining all of the ingredients?

Beefy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

How can I improve my ready meal mac and cheese? ›

20 Easy Ways To Make Boxed Mac And Cheese Even Better
  1. Add Cream Cheese.
  2. Replace The Milk.
  3. Upgrade The Cheese.
  4. Give It A Cheffy Twist.
  5. Turn It Into A Main Dish With Meat.
  6. Mix In New Flavors To Create Magic.
Feb 9, 2024

What is American goulash made of? ›

It features ground beef, pasta (usually macaroni) and tomatoes. Unlike Hungarian goulash, American goulash cooks quickly, making it a great family-friendly option for weeknights.

What is in casserole? ›

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What are the ingredients in Gordon Food Service mac and cheese? ›

COOKED ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WATER, SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID]), WATER, CHEDDAR CLUB CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SALT, ANNATTO [COLOR]), CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES ...

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What can I add to homemade mac and cheese to give it more flavor? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What does adding more milk to mac and cheese do? ›

Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of milk and mix until the sauce has loosened up. (This is also a great trick for reheating mac and cheese - if you're microwaving leftovers and the sauce seems to have dried up, stir a splash of milk or half-and-half into the pasta to bring the sauce back to life!)

What is the difference between beef and goulash? ›

Hungarian goulash is very similar to beef stew, but there are some differences. While a typical stew consists of slow braising chunks of meat with root vegetables in a seasoned broth, goulash uses spices such as caraway, cumin, paprika, and peppers which really enhance and alter the flavor from a classic beef stew.

What is slumgullion made of? ›

Ground beef, macaroni and tomato, great flavor and a quick cooking time.

What is the taste of beef goulash? ›

At its most basic, goulash is a beef stew. but what a glorious one it is. Elevated by the addition of sweet paprika, which gives it a round, fruity yet slightly acidic flavour and rich red colour. Unlike other beef stews that are thickened with flour, a goulash has a thin sauce – in fact, it can be served as a soup.

What are the 5 components of a casserole? ›

So what's inside? Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese.

Do you cover casserole when baking? ›

Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

What is a binder in a casserole? ›

The binder, a liquid that holds the other ingredients together. – Fat-free milk, broth, fruit juice, soup, eggs, or a thickened Béchamel/White sauce.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style. Cheeses for flavor: cheddar, havarti, smoked gouda, gorgonzola, feta and any other of your favorites.

How do you make mac and cheese taste better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What is the best cheese according to chefs? ›

A Cheese Expert's Guide to 10 Essential Cheeses to Know and Love
  • Brie de Meaux-Style Brie.
  • Pyrénées Sheep.
  • Comté
  • Clothbound Cheddar.
  • Aged (Goat) Gouda.
  • Bleu d'Auvergne AOC/PDO.
  • Époisses de Bourgogne PDO.
  • Le Chevrot.

What recipe is Gordon Ramsay famous for? ›

Top 10: Recipes that made Gordon Ramsay Famous
  • Beef Wellington. gordon ramsay's beef wellington recipe. ...
  • Coq au Vin. gordon ramsay's Coq au Vin recipe. ...
  • Beef Stroganoff. gordon ramsay's Beef Stroganoff recipe. ...
  • Chicken Piccata. ...
  • Rack of Lamb. ...
  • Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill. ...
  • Shrimp Scampi. ...
  • Beef and Guinness Stew.

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