Ingredients
Let’s gather the essentials for this comforting dish. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow works well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add some veggies like bell peppers or spinach to make it your own. My mom always said that a recipe is just a guideline, and I couldn’t agree more.
Instructions
Let me guide you through the process, step-by-step, just like how dad used to guide me through stirring those big pots of lentils.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
This is where the kids usually come running, noses in the air, asking when dinner will be ready. It’s those moments that make every minute in the kitchen worth it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole, recipe, cooking, food
