Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a delicious weeknight meal that comes together in less than an hour, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add the chopped onions to the beef and sauté until the onions are translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the beef mixture and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Gently mix to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and has a richer taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents your casserole from becoming mushy.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) can help reduce excess fat.
- Feel free to customize! Add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap the cheddar for a blend of cheeses to make the recipe your own.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, consider adding a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before the final cheese layer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
