Description
Turn your leftover pulled beef into a rich, cheesy, and hearty masterpiece with this Pulled Beef Macaroni Casserole. Tender pulled beef, creamy cheese, smoky spices, and perfectly cooked macaroni come together for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this casserole is as easy to make as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14oz) leftover pulled beef
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 250g (9oz) macaroni pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
- 90g (3oz) cheddar cheese, grated
- 50g (1.8oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Low-calorie spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and perfect cheese melting.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray it with low-calorie spray.
- Add the diced red pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens.
- Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the pulled beef and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and heat through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Beef:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a baking dish lightly with low-calorie spray.
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Dish it up hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors of this comforting casserole.
Notes
- Leftover Pulled Beef: Whether it’s from a barbecue or slow cooker, pulled beef works best when it’s tender and juicy.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a flavor twist.
- Veggie Add-Ins: You can include additional veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Freezer-Friendly: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food