GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE

This cheesy beef and pasta casserole is sure to be a hit with the kiddos. It’s also really easily adaptable based on what you’ve got in the fridge/pantry/etc. You could even throw in some extra veggies if you want. It’s a favorite around here, and that’s because it’s very tasty for how few ingredients are involved in this budget-friendly meal.

I wasn’t sure whether to call this a casserole or ground beef pasta bake or what. Basically, you just boil up some penne, and while that’s 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’t be easier, and I think that’s what we’re all looking for on busy weeknights!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
4. Add Bell Pepper and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the diced bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine with Cooked Pasta:
   • Add 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.
7. Layer in a Casserole Dish:
   • Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish.
8. Add Cheese:
   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
9. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
10. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Serve Warm:
    • Scoop servings onto plates and serve your delicious ground beef casserole while it’s still warm.