Beef Casserole

Introduction

Celebrate special moments with this delicious Ground Beef Casserole, perfect for a comforting meal. This dish combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a cheesy layer that’s irresistible.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

450 g ground beef
1 onion, chopped (about 150 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 120 g)
1 zucchini, sliced (about 200 g)
300 g canned diced tomatoes
250 ml beef broth
1 tsp salt (about 5 g)
1/2 tsp black pepper (about 2.5 g)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (about 1 g)
1/2 tsp dried basil (about 1 g)
200 g pasta shells
100 g shredded cheddar cheese
50 g shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (about 30 ml)

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Enjoy creating this hearty dish for cozy family gatherings or weeknight dinners!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Cook for another 4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5: Mix in Liquids and Seasonings

Add the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Combine the cooked pasta shells with the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add or replace vegetables based on your preference.

Make Ahead

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time if baking from cold.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze the casserole, ensure it is cooled and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ground Beef Casserole with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/6 of the casserole):
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 28g
– Fat: 22g
– Carbohydrates: 38g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 4g
– Sodium: 850mg

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
– Cheddar Cheese: Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or gouda.
– Pasta Shells: Replace with any similar pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even whole grain pasta.
– Beef Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
– Vegetables: Add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or carrots.

Cook Techniques

1. Browning Ground Beef

Cooking ground beef until browned is essential for developing flavor. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

2. Sautéing Vegetables

Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini in the same skillet to enhance their flavors. This method adds depth and ensures the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

3. Simmering

Simmering the mixture with diced tomatoes and broth allows the flavors to meld together. This step also creates a rich sauce for the casserole.

4. Cooking Pasta

Cook pasta shells to al dente to ensure they hold their shape during baking and absorb some of the sauce without becoming mushy.

5. Baking for Texture

Baking the assembled casserole helps melt the cheese and melds all ingredients together, creating a bubbly and golden topping.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.

What vegetables can I add to the casserole?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavors.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to reheat the casserole?

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Conclusion

Celebrate your special moments with this delightful Ground Beef Casserole. It’s an ideal dish for any gathering or cozy family dinner, combining comfort and flavor in every bite. Enjoy the harmony of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this casserole truly irresistible.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole

Replace ground beef with quinoa and add your favorite vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option that’s equally satisfying.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken and use Alfredo sauce instead of diced tomatoes for a rich and creamy flavor profile.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

Add taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture and incorporate cooked rice and black beans for a flavorful Mexican twist.

Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage and mix in fresh spinach and ricotta cheese for an Italian-inspired dish.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Transform the casserole into a Stroganoff-style by adding mushrooms, sour cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for richness.

Cheesy Broccoli and Beef Casserole

Mix in steamed broccoli florets to your casserole for added nutrition and a vibrant touch, pairing perfectly with the cheese topping.