Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Macaroni:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Drain and set aside.

2. **Cook the Beef:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
– Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
– Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
– Add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. **Prepare the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
– Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
– In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
– Top with the beef and marinara sauce mixture.
– Spread the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture over the beef layer.
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole!

If you have any other specific requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask!