Rich, hearty, and impossibly cheesy, this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food your dinner table has been craving. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is blanketed in a velvety layer of sharp cheddar and folded with juicy, seasoned ground beef. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, each bite promises warmth, satisfaction, and a whole lot of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, this casserole checks every box. It’s simple to make, uses pantry staples, and always leaves behind clean plates and happy smiles. The classic combo of beef, pasta, and cheese never goes out of style—especially when it’s this easy to pull off.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

One-dish wonder: Everything comes together in a single casserole dish, minimizing cleanup.
Family-approved: Kid-friendly and adult-loved, this meal never disappoints.
Budget-friendly: Made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when ready.
Customizable: Add veggies, switch cheeses, or spice it up—you can make it your own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting ready for this casserole is a breeze, but having the right tools makes it even smoother:

Large Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing any added ingredients evenly.
Large Pot: Needed for boiling the macaroni to al dente perfection.
Colander: For draining the pasta quickly without losing heat.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining the beef mixture with the pasta and cheese evenly.
9×13″ Baking Dish: Where all the cheesy magic happens. Perfect size for even baking and serving.
Box Grater (or Pre-shredded Cheese): Freshly grated cheddar melts better and creates a gooey texture.
Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent the top from browning too quickly during baking.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

Elbow Macaroni: The base of the dish, its curves catch all that cheesy beefy goodness.
Ground Beef: Adds savory flavor and protein, making the casserole hearty and filling.
Onion: Brings depth and sweetness once sautéed, enhancing the beef.
Garlic: Adds aromatic punch and enhances overall taste.
Tomato Sauce: Helps bind the beef and macaroni with a tangy richness.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—melted throughout and bubbling on top.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors in every layer.
Paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a bit of color.
Butter or Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.

How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of butter or olive oil. Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the gooey, beefy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole

This casserole is best served hot straight from the oven, when the cheese is still bubbly and gooey. Pair it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to round out the meal. It also makes a comforting side dish at potlucks or family dinners.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. It also freezes beautifully—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, penne, rotini, or shells also work well to hold the sauce and cheese.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add great flavor.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking, or freeze leftovers in single-serving portions for easy reheating.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?

Yes, cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep it moist, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown nicely.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole, check out these other comforting, cheesy classics from the Kitchen By Kate collection:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, creamy pasta bake.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a savory onion twist.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you want a little spice in your skillet.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole to sneak in some veggies with your cheese.
Sloppy Joe Casserole for a fun, nostalgic spin on a weeknight staple.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or keep it classic? Try a cheese blend or stick with sharp cheddar?

I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on it. Questions welcome too—let’s make cooking cozy and creative together!