🌟 Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Casserole 🌟

Cheesy Beef Casserole Recipe 🧀🥩

Overview:

Cheesy Beef Casserole, a delightful dish that resonates with the comforting flavors of lasagna, offers a savory and creamy indulgence. This recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, promises a blend of tender ground beef, creamy cheeses, and zesty tomato goodness, all baked to perfection. Served alongside a crisp salad, it makes for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2 reviews)

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient
4	Butter
3	Ground Beef
1	Onion
1	Garlic Clove
1	Pinch of Cayenne
1	Pinch of Dried Red Pepper Flakes
1	cup Parmesan Cheese
1	can Tomato Sauce
1/4	cup Cream Cheese
2	cups Small Curd Cottage Cheese
1	cup Green Onions, chopped
1/2	cup Green Pepper, diced
3	cups Cooked Noodles
1	cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated
1	cup Cheddar Cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
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- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Noodles:
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and toss them with 3 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking.
Layer Noodles:
- Place half of the cooked noodles evenly in the greased baking dish.
Prepare Meat Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, cayenne, and dried red pepper flakes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato sauce and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and diced green pepper.
- Mix well to create a creamy and flavorful cheese mixture.
Layer Cheesy Goodness:
- Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the layer of noodles in the baking dish.
- Top with half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture.
Repeat Layers:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and meat mixture.
- Ensure the layers are evenly distributed for a delicious bite in every spoonful!
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of the casserole.
Finish Baking:
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Slice into generous portions and serve hot, accompanied by a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

Optional Tomato Soup: For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a can of undiluted tomato soup along with the tomato sauce.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 631.5
Fat: 38.1g
- Saturated Fat: 20.1g
Cholesterol: 155.8mg
Sodium: 1063.2mg
Carbohydrates: 39.9g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 5.8g
Protein: 33.3g

Enjoy the Deliciousness! 🍽️

Cheesy Beef Casserole, with its layers of savory beef, creamy cheeses, and zesty tomato goodness, is a delightful treat for the whole family. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole promises to satisfy and comfort with every bite. Serve it up alongside a fresh salad and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness! 🧀😋