Little League Casserole
Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd at your next potluck, Little League Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table. This hearty, kid-approved dish combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian spices. Topped with a melty layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this baked casserole is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short bake time, it's ideal for families on the go. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor, and serve up the kind of meal that warms both hearts and appetites. Packed with comforting flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole is a surefire winner for all ages!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14-ounce can)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8-ounce can)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and pour the macaroni mixture into it. Spread it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley (if using) and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
585 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.1 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 101 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 902 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 32.5 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 441 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 470 mg | 10% | |
*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.
