"OMG, we ate wayyyyy too much of this! It was just too good to stop. This recipe is a KEEPER! grandma just said"

 

🍽️ Grandma’s Cheesy Baked Macaroni & Beef Casserole

"OMG, we ate wayyyyy too much of this! It was just too good to stop. This recipe is a KEEPER!" – Grandma

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🧡 Introduction: A Dish That Wins the Table Every Time

There are recipes that feed you, and then there are recipes that become legend. Grandma’s Cheesy Baked Macaroni & Beef Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s cozy. It’s hearty. It’s so creamy, savory, and downright comforting that second helpings become inevitable—and thirds are just part of the ritual.

This dish is a combination of cheesy macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal you make once and then print out, laminate, and tape to the fridge because it’s requested that often.

In this full recipe, we’ll go into:

• The ingredients (and why they matter)

• Grandma’s tips and tricks

• Step-by-step instructions

• Customizations for picky eaters or special diets

• Storage and freezer tips

• Ideas for serving and pairing

Let’s dig in.

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🧺 Table of Contents

1. Ingredients

2. Choosing the Right Pasta

3. The Beef Layer: Flavor, Texture, and Tips

4. The Creamy Tomato Cheese Sauce

5. Assembly: Building Layers of Love

6. Baking Techniques

7. Make-Ahead & Storage

8. Freezing for Later

9. Add-Ins & Variations

10. What to Serve With It

11. Grandma’s Golden Tips

12. Nutritional Info

13. Troubleshooting

14. Final Thoughts & Family Traditions

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🍅 1. Ingredients

🧀 For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

🍖 For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional to balance acidity)

🍝 Pasta:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi (3/4 of a standard box)

• Salted water for boiling

🧂 Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

• Optional: ¼ cup crushed buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs

• Parsley or basil, for garnish

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🍝 2. Choosing the Right Pasta

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi or small shells also work beautifully. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce in all the best ways.

Pasta Tips:

• Cook 1–2 minutes less than the package says—al dente is best, so it doesn't get mushy in the oven.

• Salt the water heavily: at least 1 tbsp per 4 quarts of water.

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🍖 3. The Beef Layer

A great casserole starts with a deeply flavorful beef mixture.

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onions in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).

2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

3. Add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 7–9 minutes.

5. Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.

Pro Tip: You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat here and still get fabulous results.

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🧀 4. The Creamy Tomato Cheese Sauce

This sauce is what makes people go “OMG.”

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Slowly whisk in milk. Keep stirring until it thickens (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Lower the heat and mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

6. Stir in a ¼ cup of the beef tomato mixture to add some depth and color.

7. Taste and adjust—cheese sauces need salt!

Optional: For a spicy kick, stir in ¼ tsp cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

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🧱 5. Assembly: Layered Deliciousness

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Combine pasta with cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.

4. Spread half the cheesy pasta in the dish.

5. Spoon all of the beef mixture over the pasta layer.

6. Add the remaining pasta on top.

7. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and optional crushed crackers/breadcrumbs.

8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

9. Broil the last 1–2 minutes for extra browning (watch carefully!).

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⏲️ 6. Make-Ahead & Storage

This dish is very make-ahead friendly.

Before Baking:

• Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

• Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if starting cold.

After Baking:

• Cool completely, then cover and store in fridge up to 4 days.

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave or whole pan in oven at 350°F.

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❄️ 7. Freezing for Later

To freeze before baking:

• Assemble, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–70 minutes (cover with foil for first 40 minutes).

To freeze after baking:

• Cool completely. Cut into portions, wrap, and freeze individually.

• Reheat in oven or microwave until hot.

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🧩 8. Add-Ins & Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these:

Add Veggies:

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Spinach or kale

• Diced bell peppers

• Corn or peas

Make It Spicy:

• Jalapeños or hot sauce

• Pepper jack cheese

• Spicy sausage instead of ground beef

Different Cheeses:

• Gouda, Fontina, or Havarti for meltiness

• Blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist

• Swiss for a nuttier flavor

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🍽️ 9. What to Serve With It

This casserole is rich and hearty. Pair it with:

• A crisp green salad

• Roasted green beans

• Garlic bread (for carb lovers!)

• Pickles or slaw to cut the richness

• A glass of red wine or iced tea

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📝 10. Grandma’s Golden Tips

• Let it rest 10–15 minutes before cutting—it holds together better.

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.

• Taste every layer: Season the beef, season the sauce—don't rely on cheese alone.

• Use whole milk for creaminess—this isn’t the time to go low-fat.

• Bake uncovered for crispy edges and bubbly top.

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🧮 11. Nutritional Info (per serving, est.)

• Calories: 450–550

• Protein: 22g

• Carbs: 38g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 2–3g

To make lighter:

• Use reduced-fat cheese

• Swap ground turkey

• Sub half the pasta with steamed cauliflower

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🛠️ 12. Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Too dry	Add more cheese sauce or cover when baking
Too watery	Pasta may have been overcooked or not drained well
Bland flavor	Add more seasoning to meat and sauce
Cheese clumps	Lower heat before adding cheese and stir constantly
Top too brown	Tent with foil halfway through baking