Irresistible Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Classic

Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug the moment it comes out of the oven. The bubbling cheese, the savory beef, the tender pasta—it’s comfort food in its purest, most satisfying form. This dish has been part of my kitchen story for years, evolving with every test bake, every family dinner, and every late-night craving for something hearty and familiar.

Hi, I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and this casserole represents everything I believe about home cooking. I grew up watching simple ingredients turn into memorable meals—cookies with my grandmother, pot roast with my mom, and later, casseroles like this that fed not just our bodies but our conversations. Over time, I’ve tested countless versions of Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole, tweaking the cheese blend, perfecting the beef seasoning, and finding that ideal creamy-to-crispy balance.

What makes this recipe special is that it’s been cooked, tasted, adjusted, and cooked again—many times. It’s not a shortcut meal pretending to be homemade. It is homemade, designed to be easy, affordable, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of dish you bring to a potluck, serve on a busy weeknight, or reheat the next day knowing it’ll be just as good.

My philosophy is simple: make it warm, make it easy, make it feel like home. This Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole does exactly that—and I can’t wait for it to become part of your story too.

Why You’ll Love This Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole

• Rich, creamy cheese sauce with real flavor (no bland bites here)
• Savory seasoned beef that balances perfectly with the pasta
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Budget-conscious using pantry staples
• Ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers
• More filling and flavorful than boxed mac and cheese
• Easier and heartier than many layered casseroles

Compared to stovetop versions, this baked Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole delivers texture—creamy inside with a lightly golden top. And unlike some heavy casseroles, this one stays balanced, not greasy.

Ingredients for Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp mustard powder

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

• Ground turkey instead of beef
• Monterey Jack or Colby cheese
• Add peas or diced tomatoes for color
• Gluten-free pasta works well

Ingredient Roles:
The beef brings savory depth, while sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and mozzarella ensures meltiness. Paprika and mustard powder quietly boost the cheese without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Slightly undercook since it will bake.
2. Brown the Beef
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Drain excess fat.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
   In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Simmer until thickened. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
4. Add the Cheese
   Remove sauce from heat. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
5. Combine Everything
   Mix pasta, beef, and cheese sauce until fully coated.
6. Bake
   Transfer to greased casserole dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole

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• Author: Lily Anne Bakehart
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, oven-baked Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole loaded with seasoned beef and comforting flavor.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 3 cups whole milk

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp mustard powder

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Instructions

• Cook pasta until al dente.

• Brown beef with onion and garlic.

• Prepare cheese sauce.

• Combine all ingredients.

• Bake until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Choosing the Right Beef for Mac and Cheese

For the best Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole, ground beef with a bit of fat works best. An 80/20 blend delivers flavor without making the dish greasy. Leaner beef can dry out, while higher-fat blends overpower the cheese sauce.

Classic Casseroles and American Food Lore

Many people wonder about famous casseroles tied to American history. One elegant baked dish often associated with Jacqueline Kennedy featured pasta, cheese, and refined simplicity—far more restrained than today’s hearty versions. On the other end of the spectrum, the well-known “John Wayne casserole” is a bold, Southwestern-inspired bake layered with beef, biscuits, cheese, and peppers. While very different in flavor, all these dishes share one thing: casseroles bring people together.

Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole sits right in the middle—comforting, familiar, and endlessly adaptable.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
• Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months
• Store leftovers refrigerated for 3–4 days
• Reheat covered to keep it creamy

Helpful Expert Tips

• Shred your own cheese for smoother sauce
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving
• Add breadcrumbs for crunch if desired
• Season beef well—it flavors the whole dish

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Beefy Mac and Cheese Casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your rotation. It’s warm, filling, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable—everything a home-cooked meal should be. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share it, save it, and most importantly—enjoy creating your own food memories around the table. Simple ingredients. Big love.

If casseroles are your comfort zone, don’t miss our Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole—another DishWhirl reader favorite that turns classic flavors into a cozy bake.