Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work well)
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Creating Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Brown the Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Season the Mixture: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until well combined.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
These steps will guide you in creating this incredible casserole effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g