Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and creamy cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it layers savory beef and tangy tomato sauce between cheesy pasta mixes, baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta Mixture
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned throughout, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Add Tomato and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Pasta with Sour Cream and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
