This is my secret to extra hugs from my hubby. Works every time I make it!

There's nothing quite like diving into a warm, hearty casserole at the end of a long day, and this Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a total winner in our house. It's one of those feel-good dishes that reminds me of family dinners from my childhood, updated with a touch of my own cooking flair. Not only is it super satisfying, but it’s also great for those busy weeknights when you want to whip something up without too much fuss. Packed with flavors and gooey cheese, it's a surefire way to bring everyone to the table with smiles!

This casserole is quite a standalone star, but I love to pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to add a fresh touch to the meal. For bigger gatherings, adding a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complements the richness of the dish beautifully. And don’t forget, a light, fruity red wine can be just the right touch to elevate this comforting meal.

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef
2 cups uncooked macaroni
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent.

3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and crumbly.

4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently while you prepare the macaroni.

5. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the beef sauce. Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

7. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top, then finish with a layer of grated Parmesan.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.

If you’re looking to change things up or cater to different dietary needs, this recipe is quite adaptable. For a lower carb version, you can replace the macaroni with cauliflower florets — just make sure to precook them a bit so they’re tender. Want a spicier kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos with the beef. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or even a mix of sausages can make great substitutes.