Cheesy Beef and Tomato Baked Macaroni

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer the meat sauce for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  8. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  12. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

History

Baked macaroni dishes have roots in Italian pasta traditions and became especially popular in American home cooking. Combining pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese created an affordable and comforting casserole that could easily feed a family. Today, variations of cheesy baked macaroni are enjoyed in many households, with different meats, cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings added according to taste.

Benefits

  • Ground beef provides protein and important minerals such as iron and zinc.
  • Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidant compounds such as lycopene.
  • Cheese contributes protein and calcium.
  • Pasta provides carbohydrates that supply energy.
  • Adding onions and garlic brings additional flavor and small amounts of vitamins and beneficial plant compounds.
  • Baking everything together creates a convenient, satisfying family meal.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming 6 servings:

  • Calories: 520–560 kcal
  • Protein: 29–32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48–52 g
  • Fat: 23–27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11–13 g
  • Fiber: 4–5 g
  • Calcium: 300–350 mg
  • Iron: 3–4 mg
  • Sodium: 700–900 mg

Nutrition values vary depending on the type of ground beef, pasta, cheese, and canned tomatoes used.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Tomato Baked Macaroni is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. It is easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, and can be customized with vegetables, different cheeses, or extra herbs.

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