Loaded Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring creamy macaroni mixed with savory ground beef, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this baked casserole combines classic flavors into one satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium-sized white onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomatoes and Sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans Kroger diced tomatoes in tomato juice
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the onions are soft and the beef is browned through. Then set this mixture aside.
- Boil Macaroni: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes until tender but still firm (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or pot, mix together the cooked ground beef mixture, boiled macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juice, and marinara sauce until evenly combined.
- Prepare Casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly. Spoon the combined mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the macaroni mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly if desired, and enjoy your loaded mac & cheese casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a crispier cheese topping, uncover the casserole in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/loaded-mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe/
