Description
Hearty ground beef casserole delivers comfort on a plate with layers of savory meat, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables. Families will savor each comforting bite, enjoying a classic meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Tomato Base:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and vegetable mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
- Combine cooked macaroni with beef mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it uniformly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Consider replacing regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
- Test cheese melting by ensuring it’s golden and bubbling for the perfect crispy top layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg