This delicious and comforting Cheesy Elbows and Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect family dinner. With tender elbows pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a gooey cheese topping, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. It's easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. Serve it with a side of green salad and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the ground beef mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta and beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Elbows and Ground Beef casserole is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations.
The use of elbows pasta in this dish dates back to the early 20th century when elbow macaroni became widely available in grocery stores.
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable option for this recipe, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist.