Mrs. Strong's Casserole is a classic American comfort food dish, packed with flavors and made with simple ingredients. This delicious casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It consists of layers of ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and a tasty tomato sauce. The dish is baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in a satisfying and filling meal that everyone will enjoy. With a total preparing time of 45 minutes, Mrs. Strong's Casserole is a quick and hearty meal option that will leave you with plenty of leftovers for future meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet and add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beef mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
This casserole is named after Mrs. Strong, a beloved neighbor known for her delicious and comforting dishes.
Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
Leftovers of this casserole make great lunches or dinner options for the next day. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.