Twisty Beef Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the corkscrew macaroni as directed on the package; drain.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, cut-up tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green pepper, and seasoned salt in a bowl.
- Pour half of the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with half of the French fried onions.
- Pour the remaining macaroni mixture over the onions in the casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover, top with the remaining fried onions, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning in place of seasoned salt. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. To save time, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. This dish is similar to many comforting American recipes, perfect for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Twisty Beef Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also complements other American recipes, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twisty Beef Bake contains roughly 291 calories, with 10g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2071mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel sauce. If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream soup or a simple mixture of vegetable broth and non-dairy milk thickened with cornstarch.
Can I freeze Twisty Beef Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. Freezing after baking is also an option, though it may affect the texture of the fried onions.
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).