Savor the hearty flavors of this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole, a comforting dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a generous layer of melted cheese. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a satisfying, easy-to-make meal. With its rich, cheesy goodness and savory beef, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Mix in the frozen corn and peas and carrots mix. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Combine with Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and Parmesan are recommended, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.
Variations
Mexican-Style Casserole:
- Add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture.
- Substitute diced tomatoes and tomato sauce with a can of enchilada sauce.
- Use a Mexican cheese blend for the topping.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro.
Italian-Style Casserole:
- Add Italian sausage to the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Include sliced black olives and sun-dried tomatoes in the vegetable mix.
- Top with a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Ensure the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes have no added sugars.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Even Cheese Distribution: Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed over the top for a uniform melt and golden crust.
- Pasta Tips: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the flavors of the casserole.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish to add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that can be customized to your liking. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors in every bite!
