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Viral Macaroni Lasagna Recipe: Creamy Beef Pasta Bake

Creamy Beef Macaroni Lasagna

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • elbow macaroni, uncooked Can substitute with cavatappi or penne if desired (cook to al dente). without any reasoning inside instructions or notes just pure data or helpful tip...
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni dry pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef lean (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce 1 jar
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions for al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time). Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the chopped onion to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and basil, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Simmer the meat sauce on low heat for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the white sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Remove the white sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
  • To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Layer half of the cooked macaroni over the sauce. Pour half of the white cheese sauce over the macaroni, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
  • Repeat the layers: remaining macaroni, remaining white sauce, and remaining meat sauce. Top firmly with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
  • Let the Macaroni Lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with garlic bread, salad, and corn on the cob.