This flavorful Ground Beef Casserole is very easy to make using simple ingredients. It's filling,budget-friendly and versatile.
Equipment
2 quart casserole dish
Ingredients
1poundpastaany shape
1tablespoonoilolive oil or vegetable oil
1poundground beef
1small yellow oniondiced
3clovesgarlicminced
16ouncesmarinara sauceI used 2 cans of pizza sauce
1 ½cupsfrozen corn
½teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoonpaprikasweet or smoked
Salt & pepperto taste
2cupsgrated cheeseI used mozzarella and cheddar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C, and lightly spray a 9x13" or 2 quart casserole dish, and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, boil water, salt it, and cook the pasta for one minute less than package instructions.
In a skillet over medium high heat, heat oil and brown the ground beef breaking it apart as you cook it until it's no longer pink. Drain fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onion has softened.
Add marinara, corn, and season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix and cook the mixture for 5 minutes. Add pasta, and give everything a good stir.
Pour the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
Meat - You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegan ground meat if you prefer, depending on your flavor preferences.
Vegetables - You can throw in some of your favourite veggies if you like. Examples are; tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots. If using frozen veggies, stir them in after the beef is browned, and cook for couple of minutes.
Cheese - You can use your favorite cheese here. I recommend using a mixture of shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella.
Seasoning - Always taste the food as you go and add more salt and seasoning according to your preference. If you like your food hot, add chili powder while cooking.
Smokey flavor - feel free to add more paprika to enhance the smokey flavor of the casserole.
Quantities - this recipe is adaptable. Feel free to add more of one ingredient and less of another as long as it tastes good for you.
Prepare ahead - You can make this casserole up to one day ahead, put it in the fridge and bake it the next day. This way, you'll enjoy a hot meal in only 20 minutes.