Fridge Clean Out Macaroni
Hi, I’m Brooke! You have probably seen me on Social Media as Meals and Munchies. I’m a busy stay at home mom who loves sharing easy, family-friendly meals that come together fast—because let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for complicated. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or just trying to get dinner on the table after work without a fuss, you’re in the right place. Meals and Munchies is where I share real-life recipes that are quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Easy recipes for every day life- let’s get cooking!One pot, one pan, no problem. These are the kind of meals that make cleanup a breeze and still taste like you spent hours cooking dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner to be quick, hearty, and hassle-free—without a sink full of dishes afterward.This Fridge Clean-Out Macaroni Bake is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food recipe that transforms everyday leftovers into a hearty family dinner. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy macaroni and cheese, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or reducing food waste. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples, it's a satisfying, kid-friendly meal that's as affordable as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for an easy hamburger casserole, a leftover makeover recipe, or an inexpensive dinner idea, this cheesy baked macaroni dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Equipment
- 1 Oven Safe Skillet or Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 28 oz can baked beans, drained slightly if very saucy
- 28 oz box prepared macaroni and cheese, prepared according to package directions
- ½ – 1 cup barbecue sauce, your favorite variety
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: 4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (if you have an oven safe skillet you can use that for everything).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Meanwhile, prepare the boxed macaroni and cheese according to the package directions.
- In the baking dish or oven safe skillet, combine the cooked ground beef, prepared macaroni and cheese, baked beans, barbecue sauce, cooked bacon (if using), and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Spread into an even layer and add the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.