Beef and macaroni casserole
Beef and macaroni casserole is a hearty, baked comfort food dish that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory, often cheesy, tomato-based sauce. It is a staple of American home cooking, particularly popular in the Midwest and as a family-friendly weeknight meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the pasta, with a significant amount of fat depending on the cheese and meat used. A typical serving provides a good source of iron and calcium, and usually ranges from 400 to 600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.0 mcg |
| Niacin | 6.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a quintessential example of a 'hotdish' or one-pan meal that prioritizes convenience and heartiness, reflecting a tradition of practical, filling family meals. Nutritionally, its unique appeal lies in combining all major food groups—protein, grains, and dairy—into a single, satisfying dish.
