Ingredients
– 1 pound (approximately 454 grams) lean ground beef serves as the main protein-packed base
– 1 cup diced onion adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the mix
– Β½ cup diced orange bell pepper provides a colorful, crunchy element and extra vitamins
– ΒΌ teaspoon red pepper flakes brings a mild heat to balance the flavors
– 1 teaspoon steak seasoning or a homemade spice blend enhances the overall taste with savory notes
– 16 ounces (about 454 grams) tomato sauce offers moisture and a tangy base for the casserole
– 10 ounces (around 283 grams) canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (or regular diced tomatoes plus a 4-ounce can of green chiles) adds acidity and a slight spice
– 1 Β½ teaspoons dried oregano infuses herbal freshness into the dish
– 2 teaspoons chili powder boosts the warmth and complexity of the flavors
– 2 cups frozen corn contributes sweetness and texture once added and thawed
– 2 ounces (approximately 57 grams) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend helps melt into the mixture for creaminess
– 1 Β½ cups cooked macaroni-style pasta (cooked al dente) provides a hearty, filling component that absorbs the flavors
– 1 cup (about 113 grams) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend tops the casserole for a bubbly, golden finish
– Sliced green onions (optional) used as a garnish to add a fresh, oniony crunch
Instructions
1-How to Prepare the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide: Making ground beef casserole is straightforward and rewarding, especially for home cooks new to the kitchen. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to ensure even baking later. Gather all your ingredients first, like the 1 pound of lean ground beef and diced vegetables, to keep things organized and fun.
2-Begin: Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until itβs fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish healthier, then add in the diced onion, orange bell pepper, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful mix. Next, stir in the steak seasoning or your homemade blend, along with the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, oregano, and chili powder let this simmer for 10 minutes to blend the tastes.
3-After simmering: mix in the frozen corn and 2 ounces of shredded Mexican cheese until it melts smoothly. Gently fold in the 1 Β½ cups of cooked al dente macaroni pasta to avoid breaking it up. For an external resource, learn more about health benefits of ground beef to understand why itβs a great choice. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish, top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until itβs bubbly and browned.
4-Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and add sliced green onions if you want an extra pop of flavor. This step-by-step approach makes the process simple, even for busy parents. If youβre adapting for variations, like substituting ground turkey, the steps stay mostly the same, keeping prep easy and efficient.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π Use cooked pasta al dente to avoid soggy texture after baking.
π§ Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.
π§
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
