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Lazy Mac & Cheese Beef Bake - Comfort Food With Minimal Effort

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 cup jarred marinara or tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, brightens the cheese)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or a little butter, for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned with crispy bits, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Season it up: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the beef.
  6. Sauce shortcut: Pour in the marinara and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Cheesy base: Reduce heat to low. Add butter and milk, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce looks creamy. Stir in 1½ cups cheddar and all the mozzarella until just melted and smooth.
  8. Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and fold everything together so the noodles are well coated.
  9. Into the dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle over the remaining ½ cup cheddar.
  10. Bake: Place on the middle rack and bake 15–20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and lightly bubbling at the edges.
  11. Finish and rest: Let the bake rest 5 minutes so it sets slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm.