Description
Hearty simple ground beef casserole delights families with its rich, comforting layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese. Midwestern home cooking shines through this easy one-dish meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Canned Goods:
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) tomato sauce
Pasta:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or your choice)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and tender.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly and carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Enhance the mixture by incorporating diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings – garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the blend to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer cooked pasta into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture throughout the pasta.
- Create a golden, melty topping by generously sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, ensuring the cheese becomes completely melted and develops a slight bubbling texture.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that works perfectly for different dietary needs.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor in the dish.
- Customize cheese toppings by mixing different varieties like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to enhance the overall taste and texture of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg