1. Brown the Meat & Onions
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Sauces & Seasonings
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, water/broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Mix in the Pasta
Add uncooked macaroni and stir well.
If using frozen veggies, add them now.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Uncover, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Optional Crispy Topping
For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before the final bake.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Pair with – Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed veggies.
🍽 Leftovers? – Tastes even better the next day! Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
🍽 Freezer-friendly – Assemble (but don’t bake), freeze, and cook later for an easy meal.
Money-Saving Tips & Variations
💰 Use ground turkey or chicken – Often cheaper than beef.
💰 Swap pasta – Penne, rotini, or egg noodles work too.
💰 Skip the cheese topping – Still delicious without it.
💰 Add beans – Stretch the meal further with canned kidney or pinto beans.
