Cheesy Macaroni & Beef Casserole

Submitted by Karen E.

"Everybody needs comfort food once in awhile, and just because you are trying to eat healthy and lose weight does not mean you need to deprive yourself should the craving come along!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 1 9 x 13 pan
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 (16 ounce) box elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄2 cup cream cheese

directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the onions in the oil till slightly browned.
2. Add the beef and brown it. Remove the meat fat and add half a cup of water.
3. Add the tomatoes and a teaspoon of salt along with any seasonings you choose to use and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, cook the pasta in boiling water until it’s almost al dente.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the beef/tomato mixture.
6. Add more seasonings as needed. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Mix in the mozzarella, cream cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Transfer beef/macaroni mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish.
8. Once all the pasta is in the baking dish, sprinkle with the last cup of cheese and cover with foil.
9. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.