What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? This easy homemade casserole loaded with ground beef, cheese and fresh tomatoes is a family favorite. Try it soon and enjoy a quick delicious meal, save this idea for your next meal prep session

this casserole is loaded with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes it’s ready to be eaten

Introduction

This mouthwatering casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the richness of ground beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the juiciness of tomatoes. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The best part? It’s ready to be devoured in no time, and it’s made with everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick meal solution or an avid cook seeking a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and tomatoes provides a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Plus, these ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this dish accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. Just cook the ground beef, mix it with the other ingredients, and pop it in the oven. You can’t go wrong with this straightforward recipe.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. The layers of flavor and texture create a dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this casserole are ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and pasta. You can use any type of ground beef you prefer, but 80/20 or 85/15 lean to fat ratio works best for this recipe. For the cheese, a combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides a nice balance of flavor and creaminess. Canned crushed tomatoes are a convenient option, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Finally, pasta adds some heft to the dish and helps to soak up all the flavorful sauce. Some practical substitutions include using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swapping out the cheese with other varieties like Parmesan or provolone.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until the flavors have melded together.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef and tomato mixture, and the shredded cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top it with additional shredded cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To avoid a dry casserole, make sure to not overcook the pasta. Al dente is key, as it will continue to cook a bit in the oven.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to your casserole, consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with the cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination, you can also experiment with other varieties like Parmesan, provolone, or even feta.

Heat Control

This casserole is baked in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. To ensure that your casserole is cooked through, check it after 25 minutes and then every 5 minutes thereafter. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the casserole. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Crunch Factor

This casserole has a nice balance of textures, with the crunchy cheese on top giving way to the tender pasta and savory sauce. To achieve this crunch factor, make sure to not overmix the pasta and sauce, as this can result in a dry and tough casserole. Also, don’t be afraid to add some extra cheese on top of the casserole before baking. This will help to create a golden brown and crispy crust.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To add some extra flavor to your casserole, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The pork will add a richness and depth to the dish that’s hard to beat.
• If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or a pre-made tomato sauce. These can be huge time-savers and won’t sacrifice any flavor.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper before adding the casserole. This will make it easy to remove the casserole from the dish and will prevent any stubborn stains.

Storage Tips

• This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until it’s hot and bubbly.
• When storing the casserole, make sure to use an airtight container to prevent any moisture from getting in. You can also use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the dish.
• If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, consider dividing it into individual portions before freezing. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this casserole as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative baking dish or a foil pan. You can also add some extra touches like a sprinkle of parsley or a few slices of crusty bread on the side. To make it an even more thoughtful gift, consider including a side salad or a loaf of garlic bread to round out the meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some dried oregano or basil to the ground beef for a Italian-inspired flavor. You could also add some cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: In addition to the cheese, consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the top of the casserole for extra flavor and texture. You could also use some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Ingredient swaps: If you want to make this casserole vegetarian, consider swapping out the ground beef for some sautéed mushrooms or eggplant. You could also use some tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your casserole is too dry, it may be because the pasta was overcooked or the sauce was too thick. To fix this, try adding a bit more sauce or some grated cheese to the casserole.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have any ground beef, you can substitute it with some ground turkey or chicken. You could also use some sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
• Over/undercooking signs: To ensure that your casserole is cooked through, check it after 25 minutes and then every 5 minutes thereafter. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the casserole. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until it’s hot and bubbly.
• Is it gluten-free? This casserole contains pasta, which typically contains gluten. However, you can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that the casserole is cooked through.

Conclusion

This casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick meal solution or an avid cook seeking a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this casserole is a great option. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends. And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #casserolelove. Happy cooking!