Decadent Beef Casseroles: A Comforting Dish for Every Occasion

Beef casseroles are a timeless comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. This hearty dish combines tender beef, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together to perfection. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a delicious beef casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress at your next dinner party, this beef casserole has you covered.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 8-ounce package premade croissant dough sheet, such as Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
4 large red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 16-ounce packages frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed and halved
3½ cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Unroll the croissant dough sheet and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and red bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Arrange the halved Italian meatballs evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

You can customize this beef casserole by adding your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
For a spicier kick, you can use pepper jack cheese or add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for a low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor of the casserole to your liking. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all be delicious additions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

A: Absolutely! You can use homemade meatballs in this recipe if you prefer. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze this beef casserole?

A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then tightly wrap the dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: How can I make a keto-friendly version of this beef casserole?

A: To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, you can omit the croissant dough sheet and use a low-carb substitute such as almond flour or coconut flour. Additionally, you can replace the marinara sauce with a sugar-free tomato sauce and use full-fat cheese for added richness.

Beef casseroles are a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this beef casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, its hearty flavors and easy preparation make it a winner every time. Give this beef casserole recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of comfort food at its finest!