Hearty Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole
This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, adding chopped onion and minced garlic during the last 5 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings over low heat until smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and peas to the beef mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Transfer the casserole mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set.
Notes
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for added color and flavor.