Introduction
As the crisp autumn air sweeps in and leaves begin to paint the landscape with hues of red and gold, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty meal to embrace the season. Our One-Pan Cheesy Beef Casserole is the perfect dish for those cozy nights when all you want is a delicious, satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
This casserole combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection in one convenient pan. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s a nostalgic embrace of childhood dinners that makes you feel right at home. Plus, with the addition of vibrant vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is indulgent.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend gathering with loved ones, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your autumn repertoire. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, pour a glass of wine, and let’s dive into this delicious one-pan wonder that embodies the essence of fall!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), and frozen mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir everything together to combine.
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- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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- Remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it sit for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat, and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef for a hearty protein base.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, diced for flavor and aromatic warmth.
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced to enhance the savory notes.
- Bell Peppers – 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) for sweetness and color.
- Rice – 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice as the filling and comforting component.
- Canned Tomatoes – 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices for tanginess and moisture.
- Beef Broth – 2 cups to cook the rice and enrich the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar for melting goodness on top.
- Seasonings – 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, paprika, and salt; pepper to taste for flavor enhancement.
- Frozen Corn – 1 cup for sweetness and color contrast (optional but tasty).
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.
These ingredients come together to create a satisfying and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings. Enjoy!
Baking Process
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a large, oven-safe baking dish with a little cooking spray or olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and brown 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. If you’re using a leaner beef, you may not need to drain it.
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Sauté the Aromatics: To the skillet, add a chopped onion, minced garlic, and any other desired vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
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Mix in Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
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Add the Rice and Liquid: Incorporate 1 cup of uncooked rice into the beef mixture, followed by 2 cups of beef broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the rice absorbs some of the broth.
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Combine Cheesy Goodness: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, reserving a bit of cheese for the top later. Make sure everything is well combined before transferring to the baking dish.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the casserole to create that ooey-gooey cheesy layer that everyone loves.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents the cheese from over-browning too quickly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
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Uncover and Brown: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the rice is cooked through.
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Let it Rest: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set a bit for easier serving.
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Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, cheesy goodness!
This one-pan cheesy beef casserole will become a staple in your autumn meal rotation—perfect for cozy nights in with family or friends!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One-Pan Cheesy Beef Casserole and make it a perfect meal for cozy autumn nights, consider these serving suggestions:
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Fresh Garden Salad: Pair your casserole with a light and refreshing salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette will provide a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
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Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any delicious sauce left on your plate. It’s the perfect vehicle for that cheesy goodness!
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Roasted Vegetables: On the side, offer a medley of roasted autumn vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash. Their caramelized flavors enhance the comfort of the casserole.
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Seasonal Fruits: A small platter of seasonal fruits like sliced apples, pears, or grapes can add a sweet touch to your meal, balancing the savory flavors with refreshing bites.
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, serve some tortilla chips alongside for scooping up the casserole or just as a fun snack. Add a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
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Herb Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but adds a pop of freshness to each bite.
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Wine Pairing: For a cozy evening, pair your casserole with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which will complement the beef and cheese perfectly.
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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: For a sweet finish, offer a mug of homemade pumpkin spice hot chocolate. It’s a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall and round off your meal.
These serving suggestions will enhance your One-Pan Cheesy Beef Casserole experience and make your cozy autumn nights even more special! Enjoy!
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheesy Beef Casserole is the perfect dish for those cozy autumn nights when you crave something warm and comforting. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese creates a delicious harmony of flavors that is sure to please the whole family. Plus, the ease of a one-pan recipe means more time to relax with loved ones and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
As the leaves change and the temperature cools, don’t forget to make this casserole your go-to comfort food. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.
So grab your favorite sweater, put on some cozy music, and let the enticing aroma of this cheesy beef casserole fill your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and make it a part of your autumn traditions—because there’s nothing quite like sharing delicious food with those you love! Happy cooking!
