Ingredients
Pasta
- 500g elbow macaroni (or penne/ziti)
- Salt for boiling
Beef Layer
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional extras:
- mushrooms
- bell peppers
- chili flakes
- tomato paste (1 tbsp for deeper flavor)
Creamy Cheese Sauce (the secret to that gooey inside)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but amazing)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella
- salt & pepper
Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella or cheddar
- ¼ cup parmesan (optional)
- parsley or herbs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta (don’t overcook!)
Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook pasta until:
👉 JUST al dente (slightly firm)
Very important.
It will cook again in oven.
If fully cooked now → mushy later.
Drain and set aside.
Add tiny drizzle of oil so it doesn’t stick.
Step 2 – Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in pan.
Add onions → cook until soft and slightly golden.
Add garlic → 30 seconds.
Add ground beef.
Break it up well.
Cook until browned.
Let some bits caramelize — that’s flavor.
Season with:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- herbs
Optional: add spoon of tomato paste for richer taste.
Cook until beef smells savory and delicious.
Turn off heat.
Step 3 – Make the Cheese Sauce (super important)
This is what makes the inside creamy like the photo.
In saucepan:
Melt butter.
Add flour.
Whisk 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
This removes raw flour taste.
Slowly add warm milk while whisking.
Sauce thickens smoothly.
Add cream.
Add cheese gradually.
Stir until melted and silky.
Season with salt & pepper.
Texture should be:
👉 thick but pourable
👉 like creamy soup
If too thick → add milk
If thin → simmer longer
Taste it. Should already taste AMAZING.
Step 4 – Combine Everything
In large bowl mix:
- pasta
- beef
- cheese sauce
Stir gently until fully coated.
Every piece should be creamy.
No dry spots.
This is where magic starts.
Step 5 – Assemble
Grease baking dish.
Pour mixture in.
Spread evenly.
Now the best part:
Top with LOTS of cheese.
Be generous.
Cheese = crispy golden crust.
Add parmesan for extra browning.
Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven:
180°C (350°F)
Bake:
25–30 minutes
Until:
✔ cheese melted
✔ bubbling sides
✔ golden brown top
✔ slightly crispy crust
For darker top:
Broil 2–3 minutes at end.
Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7 – Rest Before Cutting
This is key.
Let rest 10–15 minutes.
It firms up and slices cleanly.
If you cut too early → messy and watery.
Patience = perfect slices.
Step 8 – Serve
Slice like lasagna.
Lift with spatula.
Watch cheese stretch.
Absolute comfort food moment 😍
🧠 Texture & Taste
This casserole is all about contrast:
Top → crispy, cheesy crust
Middle → creamy sauce
Inside → soft pasta
Beef → juicy & savory
Edges → caramelized cheese bits
Each bite is rich, cozy, cheesy heaven.
Not dry.
Not bland.
Just pure comfort.
🔥 Pro Tips (game changers)
🧀 Use 2–3 cheeses
Flavor + stretch combo
🍝 Slightly undercook pasta
Prevents mush
🥛 Warm milk for sauce
Prevents lumps
🔥 Let cheese brown
Flavor increases
🌿 Add butter brush on top
Extra golden crust
🥓 Add bacon bits if you want insane flavor
🍽 Flavor Variations
Switch it up anytime:
Italian
Add marinara + basil
Spicy
Add chili flakes or hot sauce
Mexican
Taco seasoning + jalapeños + pepper jack
Creamy mushroom
Add sautéed mushrooms
Chicken
Swap beef for shredded chicken
Extra cheesy
Add cream cheese or ricotta inside
🥗 What to Serve With It
Because it’s rich, pair with:
✔ green salad
✔ pickles
✔ roasted veggies
✔ garlic bread
✔ coleslaw
Fresh sides balance perfectly.
❄ Storage
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat:
Oven = best texture
Air fryer = crispy top
Microwave = soft but still tasty
❤️ Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes everyone should know.
Simple ingredients
Easy steps
Feeds many people
Always delicious