This Easy Dump and Bake Beef Macaroni is the kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner that saves busy nights. Everything cooks in one dish—no boiling pasta separately, no complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy a cheesy, beefy comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan, dump-and-bake method
- No pre-cooking pasta
- Cheesy, hearty, and filling
- Perfect weeknight dinner
- Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In the baking dish, add:
- uncooked macaroni
- cooked beef mixture
- tomato sauce
- diced tomatoes
- beef broth
- Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
Stir everything well to combine evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove foil, stir gently, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Pickles
- Hot sauce or chili flakes
Pro Tips
- Make sure pasta is fully submerged in liquid before baking
- Stir halfway through if needed for even cooking
- Add mozzarella for extra cheesiness
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken
Storage
- Refrigerate: up to 4 days
- Freeze: up to 2 months
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water
