Description
Ground beef casserole emerges as a hearty classic from midwestern kitchens. Cheesy layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce provide comfort that draws you closer to home-cooked satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz/226 g) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal baking temperature.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully removing excess grease.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent.
- Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, allowing mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with beef mixture, blending in sour cream and milk to create a creamy consistency.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to help set and enhance serving consistency.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique taste profiles and exciting texture variations.
- For gluten-free options, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the beef cooking stage to boost nutritional value and introduce more colorful elements to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg