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Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole
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Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is an indulgent, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring layers of savory seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a luscious blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this comforting casserole is easy to prepare and customizable to suit any taste. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal planning, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that improves as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz medium pasta (shells or penne)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and let it cool slightly to avoid overcooking in the bake.
  3. Combine Sauce and Beef: Stir the tomato sauce into the browned beef mixture. Simmer gently for a few minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed for a robust, savory base.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Layer a portion of pasta evenly on the bottom, then spoon a layer of the beef and tomato sauce mixture over it. Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous top layer of cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce greasiness.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor throughout the casserole.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a vibrant finish.
  • Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake, layered casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, baked pasta, mozzarella cheddar casserole

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cheesy-layered-ground-beef-and-pasta-casserole/