Ultimate Homestyle Beef, Potato & Macaroni Bake
Nothing says comfort food like a bubbling casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, hearty elbow macaroni, and vegetables, all coated in a rich homemade beef gravy. This cozy one-pan meal is budget-friendly, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Every bite is warm, hearty, and packed with classic homemade flavor.
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
2 large carrots, sliced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or drained canned)
1½ cups elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
Optional Topping
1–1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, boil the potatoes and carrots for 6–8 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. Drain well.
Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously until a smooth, rich gravy forms.
Fold in the potatoes, carrots, corn, and cooked macaroni, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. If using cheese, stir half into the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Warm buttered dinner rolls
A crisp green salad
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Pickles or coleslaw for a fresh contrast
Helpful Tips
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Add peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
Freeze individual portions for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
This hearty casserole is the kind of comforting homemade meal that brings everyone to the table for seconds—simple ingredients, rich savory flavor, and plenty to share.
