Ingredients
Pasta
- 500g elbow macaroni or small pasta (ziti/penne works too)
- Salt for boiling water
Beef Filling
- 500g ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional:
- mushrooms
- bell peppers
- chili flakes
Creamy Sauce (secret to richness)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but amazing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup mozzarella
- salt & pepper
Topping
- 1½–2 cups mozzarella or cheddar
- Parmesan (optional)
- parsley
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook pasta until:
👉 just AL DENTE (slightly firm)
Important:
Don’t overcook.
It will cook more in oven.
Overcooked pasta = mushy casserole.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Beef
Heat oil in large pan.
Add onions → cook until soft.
Add garlic → 30 seconds.
Add ground beef.
Break it apart while cooking.
Cook until browned and no pink remains.
Season with:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- herbs
Cook until slightly caramelized.
This browning step adds BIG flavor.
Don’t rush it.
Optional: add mushrooms or peppers here.
Set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
This is what makes the casserole ultra creamy.
In saucepan:
Melt butter.
Add flour.
Whisk 1–2 minutes (forms roux).
Slowly add milk while whisking.
Sauce thickens.
Add cream.
Then add cheese.
Stir until smooth and silky.
Season with salt & pepper.
You now have a rich homemade cheese sauce.
Texture:
Like thick cream soup.
Not too watery.
Not too thick.
Step 4 – Mix Everything
In big bowl combine:
- cooked pasta
- beef mixture
- cheese sauce
Mix gently until everything coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
This mixture should already taste delicious.
If it doesn’t… add salt/cheese/spices.
Always season before baking.
Step 5 – Assemble
Grease baking dish.
Pour pasta mixture in.
Spread evenly.
Top with:
LOTS of shredded cheese.
Don’t be shy.
Cheese = crispy golden crust.
Add Parmesan for extra flavor.
Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven:
180°C (350°F)
Bake:
25–30 minutes
Until:
✔ cheese melted
✔ edges bubbling
✔ top golden brown
✔ slightly crispy
If you want darker crust:
Broil last 2–3 minutes.
Watch carefully.
Step 7 – Rest
Let rest 10 minutes.
Very important.
Helps set layers.
Makes slicing easier.
Prevents soupy texture.
Step 8 – Serve
Slice like lasagna.
Garnish with parsley.
Watch the cheese pull…
So satisfying 🤤
🧠 Texture & Taste
This dish is comfort food perfection:
Top → crispy cheese crust
Middle → creamy pasta
Inside → juicy beef
Edges → caramelized cheesy bits
It’s rich but not heavy.
Savory, cheesy, cozy.
The kind of food that makes everyone quiet at the table because they’re busy eating 😂
🔥 Pro Tips (game changers)
🧀 Mix cheeses
Cheddar = flavor
Mozzarella = stretch
🍝 Slightly undercook pasta
Prevents mushiness
🔥 Don’t skip roux sauce
Much better than just milk/cream
🥓 Add bacon bits
Insane flavor boost
🧄 Add garlic butter drizzle on top
Restaurant style finish
🍽 Flavor Variations
So many ways to customize:
Mexican Style
Add taco seasoning + jalapeños + pepper jack
Italian Style
Add marinara sauce + basil + mozzarella
Spicy
Add chili flakes + hot sauce
Creamy Mushroom
Add sautéed mushrooms + thyme
Chicken Version
Swap beef for shredded chicken
Extra Protein
Add beans or lentils
🥗 Serving Ideas
Serve with:
✔ green salad
✔ garlic bread
✔ roasted veggies
✔ coleslaw
✔ pickles
Something fresh balances the richness.
❄ Storage
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat:
Oven best
Microwave works but softer top
❤️ Final Thoughts
This is one of those “forever recipes.”
Cheap ingredients
Easy steps
Feeds many people
Always loved
Kids love it
Adults love it
Leftovers taste even better