Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake
If you’re searching for a go-to dinner recipe that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, this Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake might become your new favorite. I love how this dish combines the nostalgic comfort of boxed mac and cheese with hearty ground beef and gooey cheddar topping.
It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The cream of mushroom soup adds a rich creaminess that elevates the humble boxed mix. And can we talk about that bubbling cheese edge? That’s the part my family fights over.
Plus, the 15-minute rest time means you can set the table or toss a quick salad without the dinner chaos.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake?
This hearty, comforting Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake brings together simple pantry staples to create something truly magical in your kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list—things you probably already have on hand or can easily grab during your weekly shopping trip.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how these everyday ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (7¼ ounce) box macaroni and cheese mix
- 1 (10½ ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
When shopping for these ingredients, don’t be afraid to make some smart substitutions based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option, and you could swap the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery if that’s what’s in your pantry.
The shredded cheese can be virtually any melting cheese you prefer—sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but a Mexican blend or even mozzarella would create a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just make sure you get that beautiful, bubbly cheese crust on top. That’s non-negotiable in my book.
How to Make this Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake
Making this comforting casserole is genuinely one of the easiest cooking projects you’ll tackle all week. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees—this temperature creates that perfect balance of melty interior and slightly crispy top we’re all dreaming about.
While your oven warms up, prepare 1 box of macaroni and cheese according to the package directions. You know the drill: boil water, cook pasta, drain, add that neon orange powder, butter, and milk. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about that vibrant yellow color, isn’t there?
Meanwhile, grab a dutch oven and brown 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened and become translucent. This step builds the savory foundation of our dish, and those browned bits at the bottom of the pan? Pure flavor gold.
Once your beef is browned and your mac and cheese is ready, combine them in the dutch oven, then mix in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk until everything is thoroughly incorporated. The soup gives this dish its creamy, cohesive texture that holds everything together like a warm, edible hug.
Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly to guarantee consistent cooking.
Now for the crowning glory—sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a blanket that will transform into a glorious golden crust.
Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until you see those magical bubbles forming around the edges.
Remember that patience is a virtue, especially in cooking—let the bake stand for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all those wonderful flavors to settle and meld together, and makes serving much neater (though who am I kidding, I sometimes can’t wait the full time when that cheese is calling my name).
Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for this Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Not a fan of mushrooms? Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar soup.
I’ve even used pepper jack cheese on top for a spicy kick. Vegetables like diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn fold in beautifully.
For a richer version, stir in a dollop of sour cream before baking. Trust me, it’s hard to mess this one up.
What to Serve with Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake
Since this hearty Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake already delivers a complete meal in one dish, I like to pair it with lighter sides that balance its richness.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Try arugula with lemon juice and olive oil, or mixed greens with cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
Steamed vegetables work wonderfully too – broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
For bread lovers (like me), garlic bread or dinner rolls are divine for sopping up that cheesy sauce.
Can’t decide? Go simple with pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Macaroni Beef Bake has become my go-to recipe for those hectic weeknights when I need something filling that’ll please everyone at the table. The combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with savory ground beef creates that perfect comfort food magic we all crave.
I love how adaptable this dish is, too. Sometimes I’ll toss in leftover veggies from the fridge, or switch up the cheese variety depending on what I’ve on hand. Trust me, you can’t go wrong.
After making this countless times, I’ve learned that the 15-minute rest period isn’t optional—it’s essential for that perfect texture.
Macaroni Beef Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
- Add the prepared macaroni and cheese to the beef mixture in the Dutch oven.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
