Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, lots of sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with crunchy bread crumbs! It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal that everyone including the kids will enjoy!

I am always looking for quick and easy casserole recipes that I can make with ground beef; casseroles that come together quickly for hectic weeknights. When I threw together this Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole, I was simply trying to use up ingredients I already had in my fridge and pantry – ground beef, cheese, some whole beat elbow macaroni, and a can of crushed tomatoes. The final product? A cheesy, beefy casserole with a crunchy topping that heats up perfectly the next day for leftovers!

Craving a hearty, cheesy hug in a bowl? Look no further than this classic cheesy macaroni and beef casserole! This dish is pure comfort food magic – tender macaroni bathed in a creamy cheese sauce, all nestled with savory ground beef. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. So, grab your favorite baking dish, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in delicious bliss!

Cheesy Beef Casserole Ingredients

This casserole can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. To add a little depth to an otherwise pretty simple casserole, I added in some crushed tomatoes and seasoned it all up with some onion, garlic, chili powder, and paprika. Along with the cheese (always grate it from a block for best results), I stirred in some sour cream for a hint of creaminess.  

Oh, and did I mention the crunchy topping yet? I sprinkled some panko bread crumbs on top to add a little crunch and it was just perfect! Panko bread crumbs can be found in the same aisle as the regular bread crumbs. They are considered Japanese-style and they work perfectly for this recipe. For the full recipe and all ingredient measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Here is a brief overview of how this cheesy casserole comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Cook the macaroni noodles. Bring a pot of water to a roaring boil and cook the noodles according to the directions on the package.
2. Saute the onion and garlic. Add the onion to your hot skillet with oil and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute longer.
3. Add the ground beef. Stir in the ground beef, chili powder, salt, and black pepper and cook until the meat has browned. 
4. Make the sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the meat and cook for a minute or two. Then add in the tomatoes and simmer on low. The sauce will start to thicken a bit as it cooks.
5. Put the casserole together. To the meat mixture add in the cooked macaroni, sour cream, milk, and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
6. Bake the casserole. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Tips For Cooking Pasta

Boiling pasta seems like a simple task, but there’s more to it than just throwing noodles in a pot of water! Follow these tips for perfect pasta every time.

• Use a Big Pot: Bigger is better! Use a large pot of water to allow the pasta plenty of space to move around and cook evenly. This prevents sticking and ensures each piece cooks evenly.
• Water Ratio: A good rule of thumb is to use 4 quarts of water for every 1 pound of pasta. This ensures enough water to cover the pasta as it grows. I love to add a teaspoon or so of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta while it cooks.
• Set a timer. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but aim for slightly undercooked (al dente). This prevents mushy pasta in the final dish. I always set a timer as soon as I add the dry pasta to the water.

Making Ahead

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Just prepare everything according to the recipe, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to avoid a long cooking time, or add an extra 10 minutes or so to the cooking time listed in the recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Cheesy Macaroni and Beef Casserole is great for kids and for those hectic weeknights. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and heat up well. While it’s a simple casserole and one that I wouldn’t necessarily entertain with if I was really trying to impress, we love this for something simple and easy. It’s a great way to use up any leftover ground beef or ground turkey. Enjoy!

Other Great Weeknight Recipes

• Instant Pot Easy Mac and Cheese
• Easy Meatloaf
• One Pot Chili Mac

I love hearing from you and how you enjoy my recipes! If you make this cheesy macaroni and beef casserole or anything else on my blog, let me know!