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Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This hearty Ground Beef Casserole combines savory browned beef, flavorful tomatoes, and creamy cheeses layered with tender pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is baked to melty, bubbly perfection with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce Base

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Dairy

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until completely browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  4. Add Tomato Mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors and reduce slightly.
  5. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy pasta layer.
  7. Layer Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the beef mixture evenly over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta mixture.
  8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/ground-beef-pasta-casserole-with-cheddar-and-mozzarella-recipe/