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Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole for a Quick Dinner

Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole for a Quick Dinner

Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole delivers all the comfort you crave in a single dish. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, topped off with zesty jalapeños and a dollop of creamy sour cream. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole is a family favorite that checks all the boxes for a quick and delicious dinner.

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  • Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, perfect for hectic nights.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients baked together.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite toppings or spices.
  • Kid-Friendly: A cheesy, meaty dish that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth, simmering for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the beef mixture, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sour cream evenly over the top.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer, then add the jalapeño slices.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

  • For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or black beans to the beef mixture.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot jalapeños and consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat.
  • Ensure to mix the sour cream well with the beef and pasta for a creamy consistency.

Easy Variations

  • Swap the elbow macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and color.

What to Serve With It

  • A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
  • Crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole.
  • Steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed, adding a splash of beef broth if the casserole seems dry.

Recipe Card

Cheesy Beef and Mac Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
  4. Add taco seasoning and beef broth, simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Mix cooked macaroni with beef mixture until well combined.
  6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with sour cream.
  7. Sprinkle cheese and jalapeños on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
  9. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes: Customize with your favorite toppings or spices for added flavor.

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