Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's ready in a flash? Then look no further than this No-Bake Cheesy Beef Macaroni recipe! Forget hours spent slaving over a hot stove; this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort. Imagine tender macaroni swimming in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, perfectly complemented by savory ground beef. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe skips the oven, saving you time and energy without compromising on taste.
This easy Mexican-inspired twist on a classic comfort food is surprisingly simple to make, requiring readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with every bite! Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 grams
- Ground beef: 600 grams
- Breadcrumbs (from half a day-old roll or sliced bread)
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion: ½
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Green pepper: ½
- Ripe tomatoes: 600 grams
- Tomato puree: 425 grams (1 can)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef and Sauce
- Hydrate bread with milk. Add to ground beef, salt, and pepper; mix well. Set aside.
- Blend raw tomatoes with a little water until smooth.
- Melt butter and olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic, oregano, and basil; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in blended tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, salt, and stir. Reduce heat and let flavors integrate.
- In a pan, sauté onion and green pepper for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef mixture and cook until it falls apart.
- Add the tomato sauce to the cooked beef and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling water with 2 teaspoons of salt.
Step 3. Combine and Melt Cheese
- Add a little Parmesan cheese (optional) to the tomato sauce and let it melt; turn off heat.
- Add cooked pasta, stir well, and add a little pasta cooking water if needed.
- Add mozzarella cheese, cover, and let melt.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with a fresh salad.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- If the pasta is drying out, add a little of the pasta cooking water.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a unique flavor profile. Just make sure it's a melting cheese.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
3. What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or shredded chicken work well as alternatives. The cooking time might need slight adjustment depending on the protein used.
This No-Bake Cheesy Beef Macaroni recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal any time you crave a comforting classic with a zesty Mexican twist. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make masterpiece!