Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole
Try this Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole recipe.
Try this Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole recipe.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ingredients
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 2 medium zucchini diced
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- ingredients6oz wide whole wheat noodles (i used ronzoni extra wide noodles) 16oz extra lean ground beef2 medium zucchini, diced1 medium yellow onion, finely diced1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced1 16oz container fat free sour cream1 28oz can diced tomatoes1/2 cup grated par
- 6 oz wide whole wheat noodles (i used ronzoni extra wid diced1 medium yellow onion, finely diced1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced1 16oz container fat free sour cream1 28oz can diced tomatoes1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese1 1/2 cups reduced fat, shredded, sharp cheddar4 garlic cloves, minced1 tsp dried oregano1
- 6 oz wide whole wheat noodles (i used ronzoni extra wid
- 16 oz extra lean ground beef
- 1 16 oz container fat free sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded, sharp cheddar
- Carbohydrate 5.0786525000328 g
- Cholesterol 43.006322805504 mg
- Fat 12.4120104911187 g
- Fiber 1.3095625037291 g
- Protein 12.0192499840494 g
- Saturated Fat 4.92613719060958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (187g)
- Sodium 101.810682629436 mg
- Sugar 3.76908999630371 g
- Trans Fat 1.85106003416674 g
- Calories 180 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-fat cooking spray.
- Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and place into a large bowl.
- Mix in the sour cream and parmesan, and then pour into baking dish.
- While the noodles are cooking, spray a large, nonstick skillet with non-fat cooking spray, and add in the garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add in the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink…about 5-8 minutes.
- Add in the zucchini, bell peppers and onions and cook until vegetables just begin to become tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Empty the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles, and evenly sprinkle the reduced fat cheddar over top.
- Place in oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 20 minutes.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
My Comfort Food Go-To: Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I crave a meal that's both comforting and healthy, something that nourishes my family and satisfies my soul. That's where this Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole comes in.
This recipe isn't just a quick and easy weeknight dinner; it's a family favorite, a taste of home that brings everyone together. The rich, cheesy goodness of the casserole is balanced by the fresh vegetables, creating a flavor profile that's both hearty and satisfying. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what your family prefers. I've often experimented with different types of cheese, adding a sprinkle of pepper jack or Monterey Jack for an extra kick. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – you can truly make it your own.
The prep time is minimal, which is a lifesaver on those hectic evenings. I usually prep the vegetables earlier in the day, while I'm tackling other tasks. This saves me precious time when I’m ready to cook, allowing me to whip up this delicious casserole in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare a more elaborate meal. The aroma alone filling the kitchen as it bakes is enough to calm even the most stressful day.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this casserole is also remarkably healthy. I use extra-lean ground beef to keep the fat content low, and I load it up with colorful vegetables – zucchini, bell peppers, and onions – packed with vitamins and nutrients. This way, I feel good about feeding my family a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a comforting casserole on a cold night. It's the kind of food that makes you feel nurtured and loved.
The combination of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and melted cheddar cheese is a symphony of flavors that's hard to resist. It's the kind of meal that transports you back to childhood, reminding you of simpler times and the comforting embrace of home-cooked food. And it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy, a feeling that's priceless in today’s fast-paced world. It’s simple comfort food that always hits the spot and leaves the family wanting more.
Beyond the Recipe: The true magic of this casserole isn’t just in the ingredients, but in the experience it creates. Sharing a meal together, around a table laden with this cheesy goodness, is a ritual that I cherish. It’s a time to connect, to share stories, and to simply enjoy each other’s company. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, these moments of shared warmth and nourishment are more valuable than words can express. The recipe itself is a blueprint, but the real value lies in the memories created while enjoying it.
So, the next time you find yourself short on time but craving a delicious and satisfying meal, give this Ground Beef and Cheddar Casserole a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it's a pathway to a comforting, delicious, and memorable evening with your loved ones.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce for extra richness.
- Use different noodles: Try using different types of noodles such as rotini or penne.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with love and a little bit of creativity, to create a truly unforgettable meal. Enjoy!
