Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a ground beef casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as macaroni, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings:
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and vegetables.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with Pasta:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the beef and pasta mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.
This ground beef casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the whole family! Enjoy!
