Welcome to the world of comfort food! This savory casserole recipe is a delightful fusion of layers that come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you mix hearty ground beef with vibrant diced tomatoes, all enveloped in creamy sour cream and topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Trust me, once you dig into this casserole, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Ingredients List

Gather these ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful casserole that everyone will love. Remember, precise measurements matter, so let’s make sure you have everything you need:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you love, like elbows or penne)
• 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred protein)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese)
• 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy goodness)
• 1 onion, chopped (the bigger the chop, the more flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a must for that added depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip these essentials!)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying this delicious casserole! Let’s move on to the next part of this tasty journey.

How to Prepare This Casserole Recipe

Preparing this casserole is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through each step to ensure your dish turns out perfectly! Let’s get started, shall we?

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the cheese gets that lovely golden crust.
2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Add the aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Oh, that smell is divine!
4. Mix in the tomatoes: Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
5. Combine with pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta, the beef mixture, and the creamy sour cream. Mix it all together until the pasta is evenly coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
6. Transfer to baking dish: Grease a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13-inch dish) and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Top with cheese: Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. It’s the crowning glory of your casserole!
8. Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Cool before serving: Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything set up and makes serving easier.

And there you have it! A simple, delicious casserole ready to be enjoyed. I can’t wait for you to dig in!

Variations of the Casserole Recipe

This casserole is wonderfully versatile, and I absolutely love experimenting with different ingredients. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider swapping out the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms—both add a hearty texture and flavor that you won’t miss the meat! You can also mix in a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a nutrition boost. These additions not only enhance the taste but also make the dish visually appealing. Want a little kick? Try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The beauty of this casserole is that you can tailor it to your taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Tips for Success

To elevate your casserole game, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure to layer your ingredients properly. Start with a base of the pasta mixture, then evenly distribute the beef and tomato layer, and finish with a generous topping of cheese. This not only ensures even cooking but also creates a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Also, don’t rush the simmering step! Letting those tomatoes and spices mingle for a full 10 minutes will deepen the flavors significantly.

For an extra pop of flavor, consider seasoning each layer slightly. A little sprinkle of salt and pepper here and there can make a world of difference. Lastly, if you want to make the dish a bit more gourmet, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. It adds a fresh touch that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy goodness of the casserole!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delicious casserole recipe. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g

These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices. Enjoy nourishing your body with this comforting dish!

Serving Suggestions

To make your casserole experience even more delightful, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy layers of the casserole. I love adding sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor!

If you’re in the mood for something warm, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole. And let’s not forget about beverages! A nice glass of red wine or a sparkling lemonade can elevate the meal beautifully. Trust me, these pairings will enhance your dining experience and make this comforting casserole feel like a special occasion!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your leftover casserole fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain that lovely texture and flavor!

FAQ Section

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going in cold.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work great! For a vegetarian option, try using lentils, mushrooms, or even crumbled tofu. Each substitute brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot. If it’s still cold, give it a few more minutes in the oven!

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you love, like bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual!

Casserole Recipe: 9 Simple Steps to Comfort Food Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A savory casserole recipe that combines layers of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and sour cream.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
• You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: casserole recipe