Homemade Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole Recipe That Wows

Crafting a hearty beefy mac and cheese casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of tender pasta and rich, savory beef create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Melted cheese blankets every bite with creamy goodness.

Robust seasonings add depth and complexity to this classic dish.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.

Families gather around the table, eager to dive into this irresistible meal.

Each forkful promises warmth, flavor, and pure culinary joy – you won’t be able to resist seconds.

Why Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole Is Comfort In A Dish

• Conquer Hearty Comfort: A one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal packed with protein and cheesy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Master Quick Weeknight Dinner: Minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps ensure a delicious meal comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Combines kid-approved elements like pasta, cheese, and crispy bacon topping that appeals to all age groups while delivering satisfying nutrition.

What You’ll Need For Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly and creates a comforting texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a creamy, stretchy base for the casserole.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Ingredients that help develop a smooth and luxurious cheese sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Bacon: Crunchy elements that add texture and a savory finish to the casserole.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps the topping adhere and crisp up during baking.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds color and a fresh note to the finished dish.

• Cooking Spray: Used to prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

Simple Steps To Make Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef.

Break it into small crumbles and cook until there is no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Cook Pasta to Al Dente

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until tender but firm, about 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.

Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, drained pasta, and creamy cheese sauce.

Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 6: Layer Casserole in Baking Dish

Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 7: Prepare Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, beat the egg. Add breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon, mixing to create a crispy, flavorful topping.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole.

Evenly distribute the bacon and breadcrumb mixture on top.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisp.

Step 10: Let Casserole Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, cheesy casserole!

Tips For The Creamiest Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole

• Perfectly Brown Beef: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and achieve a deeper, richer caramelization on the ground meat.
• Control Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook macaroni by 1-2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce Secret: Warm milk and cream before mixing to help cheeses melt smoothly and create a silkier sauce without lumps.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before mixing with bacon for extra crunch and enhanced flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the dish.

Flavorful Twists On Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole

• Gluten-Free Ground Beef Pasta: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the cheesy sauce and overall flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy cheese sauce intact.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap some cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

What Tastes Great With Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole

• Pair Hearty Beef Casserole with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with strong tannins that can cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the beef's savory profile.
• Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture, adding a light, refreshing element to the meal.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with malty undertones that can stand up to the dish's intense flavors and provide a complementary bitter note.
• Enhance with Zesty Side Pickle: Add quick-pickled vegetables or dill pickles to introduce a sharp, acidic component that cuts through the casserole's richness and provides palate-cleansing brightness.

How To Store Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole Questions Answered

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to drain the pasta completely?

Absolutely. Draining the pasta prevents excess water from making the casserole soggy and ensures a creamy, rich texture.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Beefy Mac And Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets indulgence in this beefy mac and cheese casserole, blending rich ground beef with creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Savory layers promise a satisfying meal that will comfort hungry souls and delight families around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Pasta and Dairy:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
3. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Create a rich cheese sauce by whisking together heavy cream, milk, half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
5. Combine the cooked ground beef, drained pasta, and cheese sauce, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix with breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon to create a crunchy topping.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the bacon-breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Lean Meat Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish hearty and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping texture.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the beef mixture for extra nutrition and depth of flavor without compromising the comfort food essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 681
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 726 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 134 mg