Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a delightful dish that blends hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich layer of melted cheese. This comfort food classic is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a potluck, or looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create a mouthwatering casserole that will surely become a household favorite.
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Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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| For the Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes, drained | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Frozen peas and carrots mix | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice) | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
Cook the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
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Add the Vegetables: Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 5 minutes. The vegetables should be soft but not mushy, adding a nice texture to the casserole.
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down slightly and blend with the beef and vegetables.
Add the Frozen Vegetables: Add the frozen corn and peas and carrots mix to the skillet. Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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. Make sure to mix everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the beef and vegetables are distributed throughout.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer. This ensures that every bite of the casserole has a bit of everything.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Follow this with the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey layer that covers the casserole.
3. Bake and Serve
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges of the casserole should be slightly golden and crispy, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy ground beef casserole.
