Description
This Western comfort food casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table. Your family will love this hearty meal that delivers classic flavors with minimal fuss and plenty of leftovers for tomorrow.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare a perfectly warm environment for your casserole.
- Boil 2 cups of elbow macaroni in salted water for 8-9 minutes until tender, then drain completely.
- Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, leaving behind just enough to keep the meat moist.
- Sauté 1 diced medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Pour the entire 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
- Add the cooked macaroni, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer half the macaroni mixture into the dish, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
- Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly and distribute flavor throughout the casserole.
- Add depth to the dish by using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for more complex flavor.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook helps streamline the process and ensures a stress-free cooking experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg