Homemade Casserole

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this homemade casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks! Packed with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, this dish is layered with creamy sour cream and two types of melty cheeses—sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella—for the perfect cheesy topping. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and simple steps, it’s an easy weeknight recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole serves up to six and is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Perfect for busy schedules or cozy gatherings, this recipe is a go-to favorite for comfort food lovers.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni or penne)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Step 8

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 9

Layer half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and meat sauce.

Step 10

Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the aluminum foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 13

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 14

Serve warm and enjoy your hearty homemade casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2224.2 grams (2224.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3583

Total Fat 261.10g	335%
Saturated Fat 131.00g	655%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 739mg	246%
Sodium 6031mg	262%
Total Carbohydrate 138.90g	51%
Dietary Fiber 17.80g	64%
Total Sugars 40.90g
Protein 190.50g	381%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3026mg	233%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 2209mg	47%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.1%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 15.1%