Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a blend of melted cheeses baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole is flavorful, filling, and packed with classic Italian-inspired seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef and tomato sauce mixture with the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish and if desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if available for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a twist, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef.
- Use leftover cooked pasta or fresh pasta cooked al dente for best texture.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
