4-Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole That Disappears Every Time
There are certain dishes that have a way of clearing out a table in minutes, and this cheesy beef and macaroni casserole is absolutely one of them. It’s the kind of recipe that feels too simple to be that good — and yet, every single time it shows up at a gathering, people are scraping the pan clean and asking for the recipe before the night is over.
What makes this casserole so magical is the combination of hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, juicy diced tomatoes, and melted cheese all baked together into one bubbly, golden dish. It’s unpretentious, deeply satisfying, and proof that you don’t need a long grocery list to make something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this one delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a blend of both)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned ground beef, and the entire can of diced tomatoes including the juices. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously and evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
Tips for the Best Results
Don’t drain the canned tomatoes — that liquid is what keeps the casserole moist and saucy as it bakes. If you want a little extra flavor, you can use a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular. A pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning stirred into the beef while browning also goes a long way without adding any extra ingredients to your shopping list.
Make It Your Own
Once you have the base down, this casserole is wonderfully flexible. Swap the mozzarella for pepper jack if you want a little heat. Stir in a handful of frozen corn or black beans for added texture. You can even use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. No matter how you tweak it, the result is always a dish that brings people back for seconds.
