Description
A comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, draining one minute before fully al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if desired, but leave some for flavor.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet during the last two minutes of cooking the beef.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the drained pasta and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir gently to coat noodles evenly. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not rinse the pasta after boiling as the starch helps the sauce cling. Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the sauce to set. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square portion
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: hamburger casserole, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, family meals, comfort food, weeknight dinner, pasta bake