Description
A hearty and nostalgic all-in-one meal that combines the classic flavors of a hamburger with cheesy pasta. This comforting casserole is packed with protein and veggies, making it a crowd-pleasing staple for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow or penne)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Assemble: In a large baking dish, mix the beef sauce with the cooked pasta and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day early and store in the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
- Creamy Version: For extra richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Leftover Beef: You can easily use pre-cooked or leftover ground beef in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min