Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Bean Macaroni Casserole
The Perfect Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights!
Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, hearty kidney beans, and a rich tomato sauce, this cheesy baked casserole is finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar and Parmesan. It’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni, cooked until al dente
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated with the savory sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then finish with the Parmesan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
Add sweet corn, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Swap the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans for a delicious variation.
For a spicy kick, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Top with crushed tortilla chips or buttery breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully.
Serving Ideas
Warm garlic bread
Crisp Caesar or garden salad
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Homemade cornbread
Steamed vegetables
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 560
Protein: 31 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Rich, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—this Beef & Bean Macaroni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for sharing at potlucks and family gatherings!
