This Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is all about that cozy, homemade goodness.
This recipe is simple to prepare but packed with rich, savory flavours. Lean mince and onions form a hearty base, while a creamy cheese topping brings everything together in the best way. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a bit of love.
Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is as flexible as it is satisfying. You can layer it beautifully in a deeper dish or make a single, hearty layer in a shallow one. Either way, it’s going to be a hit.
Golden Crust, Savory Heart: Mac & Meat Magic Casserole
You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a bit of love.
Equipment
- 1 Casserole Dish
Ingredients
- 500g lean mince
- 3 large onions chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes chopped
- 500g macaroni
- 225g butter
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups grated cheese
- 500ml milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- mixed dried herbs of your choice
- 8 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp mustard
- breadcrumbs
- smoked paprika
- Spray-and-cook or butter for greasing
Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Dish
- Grease your oven-safe dish using spray-and-cook or butter, then sprinkle the bottom with breadcrumbs. If your dish is deep enough, you can create layers with mince and macaroni; otherwise, a single layer works just fine.
🍖 Step 2: Cook the Mince
- In a frying pan over medium heat, melt some butter with a splash of olive oil.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Add the mince and brown it slowly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, adding a little water as needed to prevent drying out.
- Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
- Mix in 1 cup of grated cheese, 1 egg, and dried herbs. Set aside.
🍝 Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
- While the mince is simmering, cook the macaroni in salted, boiling water with a dash of olive oil for about 10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Toss with 2 cups of grated cheese and set aside.
🥄 Step 4: Make the Creamy Topping
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add mustard and mix well.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, continuing to whisk.
- Season to taste.
🧩 Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C.
- In the prepared dish, layer the mince and macaroni (if possible), or mix and pour it all in.
- Pour the creamy topping evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika. (it is now ready for baking)
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.