Hearty Beef Pasta Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, look no further. A hearty beef pasta casserole is the perfect choice. This classic dish has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for decades. This is thanks to its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and ease of preparation. The tender chunks of beef, al dente pasta, and a cheesy, savory sauce make it a crowd-pleaser. It never goes out of style.
But with so many variations and recipes, it can take time to find the perfect one. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with a foolproof and delicious recipe. It’s easy to follow and uses simple ingredients. It will have your taste buds singing joyfully.
Which pasta shape works best for this casserole?
Choosing the right pasta shape is crucial when making a hearty beef pasta casserole. It like any pasta shape would work. The truth is that some shapes are better suited to this dish than others. You want to choose a pasta shape that is large enough to hold up to the rich and heavy sauce. This ensures it doesn’t get lost in the mix. Additionally, you want a shape that will cook evenly. It should hold onto the sauce so that each bite is packed with flavor.
In our experience, penne, large elbow, and rigatoni are two pasta shapes that work particularly well in beef pasta casseroles. Their cylindrical shape and ridges give plenty of nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to. Their size and sturdiness allow them to hold up to the weight of the beef and cheese. But, if you prefer a different shape or have a personal favorite, experiment and see what works best for you. Flavors and textures of the other ingredients while delivering a satisfying bite every time.
Can you switch beef with any other meat?
If you’re not a fan of beef, you wonder if you can use a different type of meat instead. Or maybe you want to switch things up in your beef pasta casserole recipe. The answer is yes; you can experiment with other meats to create a dish that suits your preferences and tastes.
One choice is to switch beef for ground veal or pork. These meats have a similar texture and flavor to beef. They offer a slightly different taste that can add a unique twist to your dish. Alternatively, you use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter and healthier alternative. These meats have a milder flavor than beef. They can still give plenty of protein. They also have a satisfying texture when paired with the right ingredients.
You can switch up the meat. You can also experiment with different vegetables to add more variety and flavor to your casserole. Some good options include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, which can add unique taste and texture to the dish.
How to store leftover Beef Pasta Casserole?
Here’s how to store leftover beef pasta casserole:
- Allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Once the casserole has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent air from getting in and keeps the casserole from drying out.
- Leftover beef pasta casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
Hearty Beef Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. minced beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni cooked
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups canned tomato sauce
- 3 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place a skillet over medium-high heat and grease with olive oil. Listen to the sizzle as you add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until they become tender while stirring occasionally. Then, add the garlic and let it sizzle for a minute.
- Add beef, season with salt, and cook for 7-10 minutes or until meat turns brown.
- Add Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes while stirring rarely. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and corn kernels, and stir for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 350°F.
- Half of the cheese mixture and cooked macaroni should be added to the meat sauce, mixed well, and transferred to the casserole.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture on the casserole and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes. Then, serve and enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty casserole!
