Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels

  • 1 cup frozen green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook the Ground Beef:

    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  1. Saute Vegetables:

    • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Saute until the onions are translucent.

  1. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes:

    • Stir in the diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, frozen corn, and green beans.

    • Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

  1. Simmer:

    • Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

  1. Combine with Pasta:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the beef and vegetable mixture. Mix until well combined.

  1. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

  1. Top with Cheese:

    • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

  1. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

  1. Serve Warm:

    • Spoon out generous servings onto plates and enjoy your homestyle ground beef casserole!

Optional Variations:

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like mushrooms, diced carrots, or peas. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.

This homestyle ground beef casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for a cozy family dinner.