Description
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground beef simmered with tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and a creamy cheese blend baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfies with layers of flavor and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned throughout. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Tomato Mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly on top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Use elbow macaroni or penne pasta for the best texture and layering.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture can give the casserole a nice subtle heat.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
