Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Beef Layer:
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or parsley)
Equipment:
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Pour in the beef broth, add dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the tomato sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture over the sauce.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the beef layer.
Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped herbs before serving.
This casserole is perfect for a satisfying dinner and pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy your cooking, and if you have any more questions or need further recipes, just let me know!