Italian beef and pasta casserole
Italian Beef and Pasta Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Meal
Italian beef and pasta casserole is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is a combination of tender beef, flavorful pasta, and a rich tomato sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this recipe, we will show you how to make this delicious casserole from scratch.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or ziti)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Tips:
- Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the beef and onion. This will help to brown the meat evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente (firm to the bite). This will ensure that the pasta doesn't become mushy when it is baked in the casserole.
- Be sure to drain the pasta well before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well.
5. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the beef mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Appearance and Taste:
This Italian beef and pasta casserole is a beautiful dish with layers of pasta, beef, and cheese. The aroma of the casserole is irresistible, and the taste is even better. The beef is tender and flavorful, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the tomato sauce is rich and savory. The melted mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top add a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish.
Type of Dish: Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce
In conclusion, this Italian beef and pasta casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home!
