Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta layered with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection, this casserole offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.
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
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned evenly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix Pasta with Cream and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the beef and tomato sauce mixture over it. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake and Rest: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning like paprika and Italian seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in cooked bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef.
