Macaroni Beef Casserole

Macaroni Beef Casserole Recipe - A Crowd-Pleasing Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Macaroni Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This dish combines ground beef, macaroni noodles, vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all baked together with a generous topping of melted cheese.

History

The origins of Macaroni Beef Casserole are not well-documented, but it is a classic American comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This dish is a popular choice for busy weeknights, as it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped (0.5 cup)
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp lemon pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
16 oz (454 g) elbow macaroni
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can green beans, drained
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can cream corn
2 (10.5 oz (298 g)) cans cream of mushroom soup
0.5 cup sour cream (optional)
1 to 2 cup cheese, grated

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion.
Pour off any excess grease.
Add seasonings to taste.
Cook the elbow macaroni until it is almost done.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked meat, noodles, and all other ingredients (except cheese).
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top it with cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes or until it is fully cooked.

Variations

Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms and 1 can of sliced olives.
To reduce sodium content: use low-sodium canned soups and low-sodium vegetables or fresh vegetables; use salt substitute instead of salt.
To reduce fat content: use defatted or lean meats; omit sour cream or use low-fat or fat-free sour cream; decrease or omit cheese or use low-fat cheese.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.
Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef after browning it to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese.

- For a healthier version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.

- To save time, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Macaroni Beef Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef.

- Any type of pasta can be used in place of macaroni noodles.

- Frozen vegetables can be used in place of canned vegetables.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Macaroni Beef Casserole pairs well with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Macaroni Beef Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macaroni Beef Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Macaroni Beef Casserole contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Macaroni Beef Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Macaroni Beef Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Macaroni Beef Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and wheat (macaroni noodles).

Summary

Macaroni Beef Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Macaroni Beef Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal any day of the week!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished helping out at the church bake sale. As a thank you, one of the church ladies gave me a small bundle of recipes she had collected over the years. Among them was a faded, handwritten recipe for Macaroni Beef Casserole.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of macaroni, beef, and cheese sounded absolutely delicious. Excited to try something new, I decided to make it for dinner that very night.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to cook, memories of my own grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had taught me how to cook, passing down her knowledge and recipes with love and patience. I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I browned the ground beef and boiled the macaroni.

The scent of the casserole baking in the oven filled the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure heaven - creamy, cheesy, and oh so comforting.

From that moment on, Macaroni Beef Casserole became a staple in my household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a cozy night in. Each time I served it, people would rave about how delicious it was and ask for the recipe.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it truly my own. But the basic recipe remained the same, a testament to the generosity of that kind church lady who had shared it with me.

As I reflect on all the recipes I have collected and mastered over the years, I am grateful for the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences they represent. Each dish tells a story, a memory of who I learned it from or where I first tasted it.

Macaroni Beef Casserole will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because it is delicious, but because it reminds me of the joy of discovery and the love that goes into every meal I make. I can only hope that one day, my own grandchildren will be inspired by my cooking and carry on the tradition of sharing recipes and stories with those they love.

In the end, it's not just about the food we eat, but the connections we make and the memories we create around the table. And for that, I am eternally grateful.