Sometimes you just want a quick and casual dinner. When that is the case, what is better than a casserole? You assemble, bake it and serve it right out of the dish you cooked it in. Nice, right? You can use a baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Trust me, either way works absolutely fine!
This Ground Beef Casserole is definitely going to be one of your soon-to-be faves. I took this Trinidad Macaroni Pie here and give it a little twist. And if you love that one, you’re going to go crazy for this one. What’s not to love? It is cheesy, meaty goodness with pasta! That combination is mouthwatering enough but baking it in the oven creates this golden brown topping making it even tastier. You can throw in some breadcrumbs too if you like. Or triple the amount of cheese. Yesss, more cheese! No judgement here. Whatever floats your boat! Okay, the thing is, this recipe goes beyond pasta, meat, and cheese. It begins with an aromatic base of sautéed onions, garlic, thyme, which enhances the other ingredients and gives the casserole depth of flavor. And it ends in a golden brown cheesy goodness. Oh boy!!! What more could you ask for?
As for what is in the middle, there is beef and pasta of course. In this recipe you do not have to use any cheese sauce. Just some evaporated milk. With every bite, you’ll get a nice beefy flavor paired with an addictively delicious note of cheese, some spice and vegetal hints throughout. Savor every bite! Enjoy!!! [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”HREYz7n1″ upload-date=”2019-05-07T06:27:06.000Z” name=”Ground Beef Casserole” description=”Ground Beef Casserole made with an aromatic blend of spices, beef, tomatoes and some good old cheese. A great meal that the whole family will rave about. Cheesy, meaty goodness that is super easy to make!”] Tips and Notes: Cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt water before cooking.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sauté the garlic, thyme, jalapeno pepper, smoked paprika for about 1 minute in 2 tablespoons butter. Then add onions and continue cooking for about a minute more. Add beef salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until the meat is no longer pink or red.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the beef mixture and cook for a minute or two.
Add in the tomatoes and continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Throw in the pasta followed by milk. Cook for another 1 or two until the ingredients have been fully incorporated. Adjust seasonings with salt pepper.
Stir in more than half of the cheese (leave the rest to sprinkle on top).
Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish or 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° F for about 20 -30 minutes or until casserole is heated through. And top is slightly brown. Remove then let it rest for a few minutes and serve when it is still piping hot.
