Maybe you’re like me, staring into your pantry, needing to go grocery shopping, and totally over spaghetti and tacos. This is one of those dinners I threw together with the kind of staples I always have on hand. It’s easy, filling, toddler-approved, and doesn’t require a ton of brainpower after a long day. If you’re looking for something different that still feels like comfort food, this Cowboy Casserole is a good one to keep in your back pocket.
Ingredients:
Pasta + Meat
• 1 box elbow macaroni (16 oz)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 1 (15–16 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2–3 cloves minced garlic (or 1 tbsp pre-minced)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, if tomatoes are acidic)
Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt + pepper (to taste)
Topping:
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13” baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Once the beef is browned, drain the grease, then stir in the diced tomatoes and minced garlic. If needed, add 1 tbsp of sugar to cut the acidity. Let it simmer on low.
5. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp flour to make a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
6. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once thickened, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix gently.
8. Add the ground beef mixture on top and fold it in.
9. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp melted butter with ½ cup breadcrumbs.
10. Sprinkle a little more shredded cheese over the casserole, then top with the buttered breadcrumbs.
11. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.