Loaded Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked to perfection, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering rich flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- 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 clove garlic, minced
- 1 medium sized white onion, diced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomatoes and Sauces
- 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 ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently until the onions become soft and the beef is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, set this mixture aside.
- Boil Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, drained macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juice, and marinara sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon the combined macaroni and meat mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the foil and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your loaded mac and cheese casserole!
Notes
- Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese adds both creaminess and sharpness to the dish.
