Daddy Casserole
Hearty, comforting, and bursting with rich flavors, Daddy Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that brings everyone to the table. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a vibrant mix of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, all perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs. Cream cheese and shredded cheddar add a creamy, gooey finish, while a crispy, golden topping seals in the goodness. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a 40-minute bake, this one-dish wonder makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor, and watch this hearty casserole become a staple in your household. Perfect for busy evenings, meal preps, or potlucks, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 cups, uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon, chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, meat sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3638 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 225.0 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.6 g | 548% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 673 mg | 224% | |
| Sodium | 6285 mg | 273% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 243.8 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.3 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.2 g | ||
| Protein | 180.1 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 2046 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 3802 mg | 81% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
