Zesty Beef Casserole
Dive into comfort food heaven with this Zesty Beef Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions, this casserole is simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with chili powder, paprika, and oregano for a bold, zesty kick. Topped with a generous layer of gooey cheddar cheese, then baked to perfection, this one-dish wonder delivers layers of savory goodness in every bite. Ready in just over an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is a satisfying meal that serves six and can easily be paired with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Don't forget the finishing touch of fresh parsley for added color and freshness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, but undercook it by 2 minutes since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni.
Stir the partially cooked macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
540 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.8 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.6 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 873 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 28.9 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 320 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 514 mg | 11% | |
*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.
