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Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole: 5 Amazing Twists


  • Author: Ennas Lopez
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple and comforting ground beef casserole made with pasta, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and hearty family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (90g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7–8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, half the cheddar cheese, and cooked macaroni. Mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

  • You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For extra flavor, try swapping in fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes.
  • If your casserole seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or a little more tomato sauce before baking.
  • Shred your own cheese for maximum meltability.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 calories
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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