Savor the Ultimate Supreme Layered Beef Casserole Recipe

Crafting a supreme layered beef casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Layers of savory beef and creamy textures create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks can easily assemble this satisfying dish with simple techniques and accessible ingredients.

Rich flavors meld together, transforming basic components into an extraordinary meal.

Meat lovers and casual diners alike will appreciate the robust combination of textures and seasonings.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen on your plate.

Supreme Layered Beef Casserole Overview

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty casserole delivers delicious layers packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that everyone will absolutely love.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-dish meal eliminates multiple pans and complicated steps, making dinner preparation super quick and straightforward for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding extra vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences without compromising the core dish.
• Family Dinner Champion: Satisfying and filling meal that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a standard dinner into a memorable family gathering around the table.

Ingredients for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the casserole.

• Pasta: The foundational layer that adds texture and substance to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Classic aromatics that create a deep, savory flavor base for the beef mixture.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and tangy tomato flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Cheeses: Melty ingredients that create a golden, creamy topping and bind the layers together.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking in the skillet.

How to Prepare Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta Base

Boil your pasta following the package directions, then drain and set it aside for the layering magic.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatic Foundations

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and dance those onions and garlic around until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 4: Brown The Beef

Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Step 5: Create Saucy Goodness

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then let the mixture simmer and mingle for 5-7 minutes, developing rich flavors.

Step 6: First Layer Extravaganza

• Half the cooked pasta
• Beef mixture
• Cheese blend

Step 7: Repeat The Layer Love

Build another identical layer, making sure to end with a beautiful cheese topping.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes melted and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve up this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tips for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and improve overall dish healthiness.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutritional value.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella and parmesan for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
• Freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meal prep during busy weeks.

Flavor Variations for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or black beans. Keep pasta and cheese layers intact for a hearty meatless meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa instead of regular pasta. Add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil for extra flavor profile. Incorporate feta cheese for tangy undertones.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Include diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin. Top with pepper jack cheese for added heat and complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Pack this casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, where it'll become an instant crowd favorite that friends will request again and again.
• Comfort Food Makeover: Transform leftovers into individual lunch portions by dividing into meal prep containers, creating easy grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays.
• Cozy Movie Night Special: Pair with a chilled glass of red wine or a frosty craft beer to elevate this classic comfort dish into a relaxed weekend dinner experience.

Storage Tips for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store remaining casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's covered tightly with plastic wrap or sealed lid.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, protecting against freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Reheat refrigerated casserole by placing in a preheated 350F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this beef casserole?

The main ingredients include ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture.

Perfect Layered Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich layers of ground beef intertwine with hearty pasta in this supreme layered beef casserole, creating a comforting midweek meal. Cheese melts between robust ingredients, delivering a satisfying dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne or rotini pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for assembling the casserole.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, cooking until completely browned and crumbled, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. Grease a casserole dish and create the first layer using half of the prepared pasta, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture over the pasta layer, then sprinkle a generous portion of cheeses.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, beef mixture, and finish with a complete cheese topping.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery casserole texture and ensure maximum sauce absorption.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and healthier variations.
• Grate cheese fresh for superior melting quality and richer taste compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg