Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and satisfying Cheddar Beef Macaroni Casserole that will be a hit with your family and friends.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions for al dente. It’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven and you want to avoid mushy macaroni in your casserole. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened and translucent. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring flavorful beef.
4. Sauté Garlic and Add Tomato Base: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef and onions. Cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmering helps deepen the flavors of the sauce.
5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This roux is the base for your creamy cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and comes to a gentle simmer.
6. Melt the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the milk sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; the cheese sauce should be flavorful and cheesy.
7. Combine Macaroni, Beef Mixture, and Cheese Sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked and drained macaroni, the ground beef mixture, and about three-quarters of the cheese sauce. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce and beef.
8. Top with Remaining Cheese Sauce and Bake: Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the macaroni and beef mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the top. This creates a luscious cheesy topping.
9. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
10. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Resting also ensures the cheese sauce isn’t too runny.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. This Cheddar Beef Macaroni Casserole is delicious on its own or as a side dish.