Cheesy Beef Macaroni Bake for Comforting Dinners (Print version)

Tender macaroni, savory beef tomato sauce, and a bubbling cheddar top make this an easy baked pasta dinner for busy nights.

# Ingredients:

For the pasta and beef

01 - 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the cheese topping

14 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
15 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Boil the macaroni in salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain well.
02 - Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, then cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
03 - Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
04 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the drained macaroni and 1 cup of the cheddar until evenly coated.
05 - Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar and the mozzarella.
06 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 8-10 minutes more, until bubbling and melted on top. Rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve.

# Good to know:

01 - Cook macaroni slightly under al dente so it finishes in the oven.
02 - Resting the casserole for 10 minutes helps the sauce thicken before serving.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

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