Baked Beef Casserole with Cheesiness
Ingredients
Regarding the casserole:
- One pound of ground beef
- One little onion, diced
- Two minced garlic cloves
- Two cups of raw pasta (penne or elbow macaroni are good options)
- One fifteen-ounce can of chopped tomatoes (with juice)
- One 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- One teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- One teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of black pepper
- One cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- One cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
Regarding the Creamy Sauce:
- One cup of sour cream
- Half a cup of milk
- Half a teaspoon of optional paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of optional cayenne pepper (for a little spiciness)
Directions
Warm up the oven:
- Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).
Prepare the pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a big pot until it’s al dente, following the directions on the package. After draining, set away.
The beef should be browned.
- Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spoon to split it up while it cooks until browned. If needed, drain extra fat.
Add the garlic and onions:
- To the skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is tender and transparent.
Mix the ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. To blend the flavors, let it boil for around five minutes.
Add pasta and stir:
Put the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and sour cream in a big bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Get the casserole dish ready:
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish that has been oiled. Distribute evenly.
Put cheese on it:
- Over the dish, scatter the mozzarella and cheddar cheese shreds.
Bake:
- Bake the dish for 25 minutes in a preheated oven after covering it with aluminum foil. After taking off the foil, bake for a further fifteen minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Chill and serve:
- Before serving, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Warm Cheesy Baked Beef Casserole is amazing!
Advice
- Make Ahead: You can put this casserole together in advance and keep it in the fridge. If baking from cold, simply extend the baking time by ten to fifteen minutes.
- Add Vegetables: For added taste and nutrition, feel free to incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the beef mixture.
- Variations: You can use a combination of your favorite cheeses or use a different cheese. Gouda or pepper jack might be a great twist!
This filling and cozy Cheesy Baked Beef Casserole is ideal for hectic weeknights or parties. Have fun!