Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the sour cream and milk to the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Now, fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. This will add a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the cheesy ground beef casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes