Ground Beef Casserole
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
45 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
419 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Ground Beef Casserole
Description
The Ground Beef Casserole starts with a simmered meat sauce combining lean ground beef, onions, garlic, canned whole tomatoes, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning. The sauce thickens while integrating herbaceous notes from parsley and Italian seasoning.
Cooked pasta forms the base layered in the casserole dish with a creamy mixture of sour cream, cottage cheese, egg, dried basil, parsley, and Parmesan, which adds richness and tang. The meat sauce and pasta alternate in layers, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese that browns and bubbles during baking.
Baking the casserole in a moderately hot oven melts the cheese and binds the layers into a cohesive, hearty dish with a golden surface and tender interior. It can be served as a satisfying main course for family gatherings or meal prep.
Leftover casserole keeps well refrigerated, covered, for up to 5 days, making it suitable for make-ahead meals or reheating in portions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 large white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 15 ounces pasta sauce or tomato sauce
- 28 ounces whole tomatoes with juices, canned
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley plus more for garnish if desired, chopped, fresh
Other
- 12 ounces pasta such as rotini or penne, medium size
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese or more to taste, shredded
Instructions
- Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large deeps skillet until no pink remains. Drain fat.
- Break up the canned tomatoes with your hands. Add (including the juices) to the ground beef along with pasta sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in half of the parsley, taste, and season with salt & pepper.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, do not rinse.
- Mix sour cream, cottage cheese, egg, basil, remaining parsley, and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
- Layer half of the pasta, top with all sour cream mixture, the remaining pasta and the meat sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and cover.
- Bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cover leftover casserole tightly and store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Use medium-sized pasta like rotini or penne for ideal layering and texture.
- Adjust seasoning after simmering the meat sauce to balance acidity and salt.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 419 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 419 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 672mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 750mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 758IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 224mg | 22% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
