Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, beef broth, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using) evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole Recipe