A comforting casserole combining beef, macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven ensures even cooking from the start.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
Breaking up the beef as it cooks ensures even browning.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
Mix the sour cream with the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
Coating the pasta with sour cream adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the tomato sauce. Spread half of this mixture in a baking dish.
Layering the ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors.
Add a layer of the sour cream-coated macaroni over the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Using shredded cheese ensures it melts evenly.
Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
Adding extra cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking makes serving easier.