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!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Stir the partially cooked macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1863.4 grams (1863.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3076

Total Fat 172.50g	221%
Saturated Fat 84.00g	420%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 563mg	188%
Sodium 5659mg	246%
Total Carbohydrate 222.20g	81%
Dietary Fiber 20.20g	72%
Total Sugars 28.30g
Protein 172.60g	345%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1885mg	145%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 3292mg	70%

*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: 49.6%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 28.4%