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Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole
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A hearty and comforting casserole combining layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and can be customized with veggies or swapped ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly to avoid overcooking during baking.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  3. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until flavors combine and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Assemble the Casserole Layers: Grease a casserole dish. Layer cooked pasta evenly at the bottom, then add a layer of the beef mixture. Sprinkle a generous portion of the cheese blend over the beef layer. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best to prevent sogginess.
  • Drain excess fat from the browned beef to avoid greasiness.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for better melt and richer flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
  • Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil after baking for extra color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, layered casserole, easy dinner, family-friendly, meal prep

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/cheesy-layered-ground-beef-and-pasta-casserole/