Description
Delight your family and friends with this hearty Beef, Macaroni, and Tomato Casserole that brings together the comforting flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey cheese. Perfect as a one-dish meal, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to enjoy a warm, savory dish that is both filling and delicious.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Servings: 6
- Rating: ★★★★★ (52 Reviews)
Keywords
Vegetable, Meat, Kid Friendly, Savory, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Garlic cloves | 5-6 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Elbow macaroni | 8 oz |
| Bow tie pasta | 8 oz |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 676.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 124.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1128.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 59.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g |
| Sugars | 9.2 g |
| Protein | 48.1 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni and bow tie pasta according to package instructions, boiling them in salted water until they reach an al dente texture, which typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
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Preheat the Oven: While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
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Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until it is browned and thoroughly cooked. During the cooking process, add in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil to infuse the meat with flavor. Incorporate chopped onion and diced green bell pepper, seasoning the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Drain Fat: Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
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Simmer with Tomatoes: To the beef mixture, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Let this simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the simmered beef mixture with the cooked macaroni and bow tie pasta. Ensure everything is evenly mixed, allowing the pasta to soak up some of the delicious sauce.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish or a similar lasagna pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully during baking.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden-brown appearance.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy this hearty Beef, Macaroni, and Tomato Casserole from Love With Recipes, a perfect meal for any day of the week, packed with flavors that everyone will love!