Description

A quick, one-pan comfort food casserole featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and marinara sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. Do not rinse.
While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain beef thoroughly to avoid greasiness. Grate your own cheese for better melting. For a glossy finish, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter before baking. If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sodium: 650
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 22

Keywords: ground beef casserole, easy dinner, family meals, comfort food, one pot meal, quick recipes, weeknight dinner