Made this tonight and my wife and I ate almost half of this casserole
This cheesy baked beef casserole is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. With a combination of ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy any craving.
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Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Carrots, diced | 2 |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooked pasta (macaroni or penne) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
For the Topping:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Melted butter | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until tender.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix pasta and beef: Combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture.
- Layer casserole: Place half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Prepare topping: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Bake: Sprinkle topping over casserole and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
