Macaroni Casserole

With this recipe for a quick and easy ground beef macaroni bake, you’ll whip up a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love in no time.

It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick weekday lunch.

In my simple, step-by-step recipe, I’ll show you just how effortless it is to make this mouthwatering casserole right in your Thermomix® with minimal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s quick, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
• Super versatile and easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
• Filling, delicious, and ideal for busy weeknights.
• 100% kid-approved!
• Budget-friendly and super easy on the wallet.
• Foolproof—even if you’re a beginner cook.
• A cozy, comforting classic you’ll put on repeat.

My Best Recipe Tips & Variations

Feel free to swap the ground meat for plant-based alternatives like tofu, lentils, or veggie crumbles.

Adjust the sauce to your taste! Kick up the flavor with a dash of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or your favorite dried herbs.

Toss in extra veggies if you’d like—bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini all work great here.

Switch up the cheese! Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta are fantastic options.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps it set up nicely so it isn’t piping hot.

Pair it with a simple crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.

Make-ahead friendly! You can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

This dish also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!

Can You Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can easily prep this macaroni casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it back up in the oven or microwave until it’s nice and hot.

This dish freezes like a dream, too. Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or microwave until bubbly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 14 oz macaroni noodles
• 14 oz ground meat (lean ground beef or a pork/beef blend)
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 ½ tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups tomato purée (or unseasoned tomato sauce)
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 level tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup crème fraîche (sour cream or ricotta work great, too!)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)

Note: You will find the exact quantities and step-by-step instructions below in the recipe card, which you can also print or save as a PDF file.

How to Make This Baked Macaroni Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180 °C).

Pour the uncooked macaroni directly into a baking dish.

Next, brown the ground beef in a skillet until nicely crumbled. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer it to the baking dish over the pasta.

Now, let’s whip up the sauce! Peel and quarter the onion, and peel and halve the garlic clove. Add both to the mixing bowl and chop for 5 sec / speed 5. Use your spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, then repeat the chop once more.

Add the oil and tomato paste, then sauté for 2.5 min / 250°F (120 °C) / speed 1.

Then add the remaining ingredients—the tomato sauce, water, beef broth, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper—and bring to a boil for 5 min / 100 °C / Speed 2.

Pour the sauce over the pasta and ground beef mixture and stir well, making sure all the pasta is completely coated in the sauce. This step is super important so the pasta cooks through properly right in the sauce!

Finally, dollop spoonfuls of crème fraîche over the top, sprinkle generously with cheese, and bake on the rack in the lower third of your oven for 30–35 minutes.

Note: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Mine was perfectly done right at the 30-minute mark.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, serve hot, and enjoy!

Bon appétit!

Note: You will find the exact quantities and step-by-step instructions below in the recipe card, which you can also print or save as a PDF file.

By the way, the prep times listed are just averages. Everyone cooks at their own pace, and sometimes things take a bit longer or shorter than expected.

I hope you have fun making this dish!

If you loved this baked macaroni casserole recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out my cozy creamy ham and pasta bake, too! 🙂

Happy cooking,
Christoph

Have you tried this recipe?
If you liked my recipe or if you have any questions or tips about the recipe, please leave a comment and rate the recipe with 5 stars. Tag your picture on Instagram with @thermokoch.de so that I can see it 🙂

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