Beef And Cheddar Casserole
A hearty beef and cheese casserole with savory tomato sauce, pasta, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. macaroni or spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) jar Ragu spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese or Mozzarella, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, onion, spaghetti sauce, cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- Optional: Sprinkle with additional cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables and use a meat substitute. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great accompaniments. If you're looking for more comfort food, it pairs beautifully with Moes' Meat Loaf. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Cheddar Casserole contains roughly 917 calories, with 14g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), and calcium (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just ensure it's cooked according to package instructions before combining it with the other ingredients. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I do with leftover casserole?
Leftover casserole can be repurposed in various ways. You can reheat it for lunch or dinner, or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers. Additionally, it can be mixed into a soup for a comforting Beef recipes twist, or even made into a savory breakfast hash!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).