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!