Ground Beef and Macaroni Casserole

Cheeseburger casserole proves that, yes, just about any dish can be remade for the baking dish. This recipe starts with inspiration from another retro favourite: Hamburger Helper. A creamy sharp Cheddar sauce binds the macaroni and seasoned beef together. Skip pre-shredded cheese for this casserole and go for the block - you’ll get a better value for your money and freshly grated cheese will melt nicely in the sauce. Add this casserole to your family’s comfort food go-tos, your potluck standbys and your nostalgic-yet-new favourites. With easy ingredients like beef, onions, tomatoes, garlic and spices - you'll never settle for another box of hamburger helper again.

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
2-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups large elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 Tbsp. dried parsley

Preheat an oven to at 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6). Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains (~ 10 minutes). Drain grease and return beef to pan.

Add onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and chili powder. Stir well and let cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and diced tomatoes (still in their juices) and stir together.

Next, add the dried elbow macaroni and beef broth to the beef mixture and stir together.

Cover and let simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir. Cover again and let simmer for another 5 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cooked.

Uncover mixture and stir in the sour cream and milk.

Pour ½ of the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ½ of the mozzarella and ½ cheddar cheese over the casserole.

Pour the remaining beef and pasta mixture over the top of the cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Sprinkle with parsley.

Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sides of the casserole are bubbling.

Makes 6-8 servings.