1. Cooking the Ground Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through, making sure to crumble it as it cooks.

2. Adding Flavor with Seasonings and Tomatoes

Once the beef is browned, season it generously with salt and black pepper to taste. At this point, you can add any additional seasonings you prefer—some might like a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of Italian herbs. After seasoning, pour in the blended whole tomatoes and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Preparing the Macaroni

While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue to soften when baked in the casserole. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

4. Assembling the Casserole

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the macaroni is evenly coated in the sauce. At this point, your casserole base is ready.

5. Melting the Cheese to Perfection

Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the macaroni and beef mixture. The combination of these cheeses creates a beautiful golden, bubbly crust on top. Place the skillet in your preheated oven (set to 400°F) and bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.