This cheesy beef and pasta casserole is sure to be a hit with the kiddos. It\u2019s also really easily adaptable based on what you\u2019ve got in the fridge\/pantry\/etc. You could even throw in some extra veggies if you want. It\u2019s a favorite around here, and that\u2019s because it\u2019s very tasty for how few ingredients are involved in this budget-friendly meal.<\/p>\n
I wasn\u2019t sure whether to call this a casserole or ground beef pasta bake or what. Basically, you just boil up some penne, and while that\u2019s cooking, you make a quick tomato and meat sauce. You then toss it together in a casserole dish, top it with cheese, and bake. It couldn\u2019t be easier, and I think that\u2019s what we\u2019re all looking for on busy weeknights!<\/p>\n
Ingredients:<\/p>\n
1 pound ground beef Instructions:<\/p>\n Preheat the Oven:
\n1 onion, finely chopped
\n2 cloves garlic, minced
\n1 bell pepper, diced
\n1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
\n1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
\n1 teaspoon dried oregano
\n1 teaspoon dried basil
\nSalt and black pepper to taste
\n2 cups cooked macaroni or any pasta of your choice
\n1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
\n1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
\nFresh parsley for garnish (optional)
\nFor Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don\u2019t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPreheat your oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).
\nCook the Ground Beef:
\nIn a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
\nAdd Aromatics:
\nAdd chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
\nAdd Bell Pepper and Seasonings:
\nStir in the diced bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
\nAdd Tomatoes:
\nPour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
\nCombine with Cooked Pasta:
\nAdd the cooked and drained macaroni or pasta of your choice to the skillet. Mix well until the pasta is coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
\nLayer in a Casserole Dish:
\nTransfer the beef and pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish.
\nAdd Cheese:
\nSprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
\nBake:
\nBake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
\nGarnish and Serve:
\nRemove the casserole from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
\nServe Warm:
\nScoop servings onto plates and serve your delicious ground beef casserole while it\u2019s still warm.<\/p>\n\n